Pastner defends player over spat with Krzyzewski

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Michael Devoe (0) drives to the basket as Duke Blue Devils forward Joey Baker (13) defends during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech's Josh Pastner defends Michael Devoe over spat with Duke's Mike Krzyzewski

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/5/22

The Coach K farewell tour sure isn't short on drama. At least, it wasn't on Tuesday night when he got into an opposing player's grill.

Duke was on its way to securing a 69-57 victory over Georgia Tech when Mike Krzyzewski motioned to the officials for a timeout with 5:51 left to play. As he did so, Georgia Tech's Michael Devoe simultaneously ran by and pointed at the coach, likely in a showboating manner since the star guard just hit a layup that cut the Blue Devils' lead to eight points.

Suffice to say, Krzyzewski did not appreciate the gesture. He then walked after Devoe, yelling at him.

Coach K just always trying to coach everyone on the floor. Just really good to see pic.twitter.com/ZtP9LQrXLS
— Marty Mush (@martymush) January 5, 2022

Krzyzewski, who has confronted opposing players in the past, was so hot under the collar he had a long exchange with officials. He then had a lengthy talk with both Devoe and Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner after the game.

"He said, 'You don't know who you're talking to,'" Devoe said after the game. "But I was just trying to compete with them. That's all there was. So I guess he took it the wrong way. But, me as a competitor, I want to beat Duke."

The debacle prompted a long response from Pastner, who acknowledged Krzyzewski's ever-looming status while also defending Devoe's character.

Coach Pastner on his lengthy exchange with Coach K after the game and the exchange between K and Michael Devoe. pic.twitter.com/RSvWPFc6hl
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) January 5, 2022

"I know Michael Devoe has nothing but the highest level of respect for Coach K," Pastner said. "I think anybody in the game of basketball or the game of life would have the same in terms of the highest level of respect, because not only is he one of the greatest in the history of the sport as a coach but he's also just a great human being as well, too. He's done so much for people and he's a good man."

Krzyzewski, after having plenty to say on the court, did not comment on the episode after the game.

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