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BASKETBALL

As Duke Played On The Road At Pittsburgh, Beat Pittsburgh 86-56 Tuesday Nolan Smith Wasn't On The Duke Bench! Why? Because He Had Food Poisoning!

As player at Duke Nolan Smith played for Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2008-2011 where he played in 121 victories in a Duke uniform to rank fifth in program history and sixth in ACC history, and his 143 games played are tied for the eighth-most in Duke annals. He served as a team captain as a senior in 2011.

During his tenure as a student-athlete, Duke went 65-2 (.970) at Cameron Indoor Stadium to set program records for both home wins and winning percentage in a four-year period.

He was aconsensus first-team All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 2011, Smith helped lead Duke to three consecutive ACC championships (2009-11) and the 2010 NCAA title during his tenure as a student-athlete.

He was a two-time All-ACC selection (2010-11) and was named ACC Tournament MVP as a senior in 2011. Smith led the ACC in scoring in his final season and his 764 points that year still rank as the ninth-best total in program history.

He helped Duke propel Duke to its fourth national championship in 2010, Smith was named Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA South Regional in Houston and earned a place on the All-Final Four Team after the Blue Devils cut down the nets in Indianapolis.
As a member of the Duke Coaching Staff Nolan Smith has had a couple different roles!

He started out as the team’s Special Assistant before his promotion to Director of Basketball Operations & Player Development in March 2018.

As the Director Of Basketball Operations,

Nolan Smith worked in conjunction with the coaching and support staff to ensure that all team-related needs are met. He oversees the student manager program, while implementing and creating the daily basketball calendar and practice schedule. Among a wide-range of duties, he coordinates all meals and food for the basketball program, while assisting with team travel. As special assistant, his duties included assisting the coaching staff in developing game strategies, breaking down game film, planning practices and contributing in staff meetings.

“according to Nolan Smith’s Biography on goduke.com

Then was named Assistant Coach because Nate James who was an an Assistant Coach for Duke was named the head coach of Austin Peay!

When?

On Tuesday April 2, 2021!

As Duke played on the road at Pittsburgh, beat Pittsburgh Tuesday 86-56 Nolan Smith wasn’t on the Duke bench!

Why?

Because he had food poisoning!

Lets hope he’s back on the Duke bench Saturday when Duke host North Carolina!

Why?

Because it’s Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game as Head Coach of Duke!

Why?

Because Mike Krzyzewski is retiring after the 2021 -2022 season!

Why?

Mike Krzyzewski had this to say about his decision!

You might ask, 'Why are you doing this right now?' Look, this is not about health. Mickie and I, whether we look it or not -- she does -- whether I look healthy ... I am. It's not about COVID or saying, 'Boy, that year was so bad.' It's not about that. It's certainly not about what's going on with college basketball. 'Boy, the game is changing.' All right. I've been in it for 46 years. You think the game has never changed?"

He later added: "Those aren't the reasons. ... The reason we're doing this is because Mickie and I have decided the journey is going to be over in a year. And we're going to go after it as hard as we possibly can."

“according to an article on espn.com by Myron Medcalf”

And Jon Scheyer who currently is Mike Krzyzewski’s Associate Head Coach is going to be the Head Coach of Duke beginning in April 2023!

Tip off for the Duke, North Carolina game, Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game as the Head Coach of Duke is set for 6:00pm from Cameron Indoor Stadium!

The game is going to be televised on ESPN!