Krzyzewski praises team, Obama in Duke’s White House appearance

As he stood next to Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Obama drew some comparisons between the vitriol he’s faced as president and the intense hostility Duke inspires in its opponents.

President Barack Obama welcomed the Blue Devils to the White House to congratulate them on the program’s fifth national title, captured in April against Wisconsin in Indianapolis.

The Heat have made three trips to the White House to commemorate championships, including current team members Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen previously having been feted by Obama.

Obama went on to praise Krzyzewski’s program and players, who he said “represent their university well on and off the court”. When introducing Krzyzewski, Obama referred to him as an “up-and-coming coach”, before dropping an Oscar Wilde literary reference.

“The cool thing about our group is that they were fun”, Krzyzewski said. Obama had Duke losing in the Final Four in his bracket.

During his comments Tuesday, Obama also referenced former Heat and Duke player Christian Laettner. That’s why their fans are so passionate, that’s why sometimes there’s going to be some haters.

“The guys coming back, if you could do that again, I’d appreciate it”. “But they deserve every accolade”, Obama said.

After you are through we would like to scholarship you to our fantasy campo.

Krzyzewski noted that the Duke team received their rings on Monday night at the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Obama told the crowd he could find some similarities between his popularity and that of the Duke team. “So you’ll just have to shout and scream from your seats”.