Coach K: Get On The Right Bus

This is Shane Battier. It’s hard to put into words what Coach Mike Krzyzewski has meant to me, but I’ll try. For four incredible years at Duke University, I learned from a man who redefined leadership, resilience, and what it means to chase excellence. His record speaks for itself—five national championships, 15 Final Four appearances, three Olympic gold medals—but those numbers barely scratch the surface of his impact.

Coach K didn’t just teach me how to play basketball, he challenged me to grow as a leader and a person. He saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. And when I doubted, he reminded me, sometimes with a sharp truth, that I could—and should—rise to the occasion.

In this episode, I’m honored to share some of the lessons, the laughs, and yes, even the hang-up-the-phone moments that defined my time under his guidance. Coach K is more than a basketball legend; he’s a teacher, a motivator, and a lifelong friend. I can’t wait to take you behind the scenes into a world where every play mattered, every standard was upheld, and every day was an opportunity to be better than yesterday.

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.

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Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Glue Guys

(00:04:47) Developing Elite Players

(00:06:11) Leadership and Accountability

(00:11:57) The Role of Managers

(00:14:00) Adapting to One-and-Done Era

(00:16:04) Standards and Team Culture

(00:25:53) Learning from USA Basketball

(00:39:51) The Impact of Professionalism on Young Athletes

(00:41:11) Coach K's Unwavering Hunger and Drive

(00:42:51) The Importance of Body Language and Enthusiasm

(00:43:53) Recruiting Character Over Talent

(00:45:31) The Changing Landscape of College Sports

(00:50:13) Dealing with Self-Doubt and Failure

(00:55:12) Celebrating Success and Defining Your Own

(01:03:06) Lessons from Coach Knight

(01:08:44) The Glue Guys in Coach K’s Life and Career