DURHAM – A Durham highway now bears the name of former Duke University men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation, leaders from Duke University, Durham and others came together Friday to honor Krzyzewski by officially designating N.C. 751 (Cameron Boulevard) from Kerley Road to Duke University Road in Durham as the Coach K Highway.
Governor Roy Cooper, who was unable to attend, offered a video message played during Friday's ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium near the road now bearing his name.
"This highway sign will mark Coach K's drive to the Duke campus each day," Cooper said. “And it will no doubt inspire others to travel the road to their kind of greatness. Congratulations Coach K, and thank you for your friendship, leadership and all you have done for our state."
At the request of Durham officials, the N.C. Board of Transportation passed a resolution in May 2023 to designate the highway for the Hall of Fame coach.
Krzyzewski coached the Duke men's basketball team from 1980 to 2022. He won 1,129 games and five national championships as the Blue Devils coach. With 1,202 wins over his entire career, he ranks as one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history.
He is also well-known for his commitment to public service by serving on boards for the Duke University Children's Hospital, and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. He also founded the Emily K Center, the nonprofit organization he founded and named for his mother that helps students chart paths toward college.
State Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins praised Krzyzewski for his ability to lead and mentor others on and off the basketball court.