Mike Krzyzewski prepared for “emotional” final game at Cameron Indoor

As Mike Krzyzewski prepares for his final regular season game of his storied career, he is attempting not to focus on the magnitude. Duke will face in-state rival North Carolina on Saturday in the Hall of Famer’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and last matchup in one of college basketball’s best series.

On Thursday, Mike Krzyzewski spoke about his final Duke-North Carolina game inside Cameron Indoor Stadium, trying to remain focused while acknowledging what will come.

“I’ve tried not to think about it that much, but I know it will be emotional,” said Krzyzewski, via Stadium’s Jeff Goodman.

Duke enters the game with a 26-4 record and a chance at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament following Krzyzewski’s last ACC Tournament appearance next week. Reports earlier this week suggest that if the Blue Devils land their choice of location in the NCAA Tournament on the 1- or 2-line, they prefer Krzyzewski’s hometown of Chicago over the closer Philadelphia option.

Mike Krzyzewski on future with Duke

Throughout this year, the Hall of Fame coach has been asked the same question about his retirement: “What’s next?” Mike Krzyzewski shared a glimpse of that answer on Thursday ahead of his final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Krzyzewski said he doesn’t plan to stay around the Duke basketball program after he retires, he told reporters Thursday. After 42 years at the helm, that’ll be quite a change for Krzyzewski, who’s cemented himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball during his time in Durham.

“I will have nothing to do with our basketball program,” Krzyzewski said, via CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. “This is not about me … [Things have been said] where I’m trying to maintain control. That could not be further from the truth. It was mine for 42 years, but it’s Duke’s forever.”

Krzyzewski is handing the reins over to associate head coach Jon Scheyer after this season, and it’ll be Scheyer’s show. Coach K will instead do something he hasn’t done in more than four decades: He’ll watch as a fan.

Krzyzewski coach his final home game Saturday against rival North Carolina before heading to the ACC tournament. From there, he’ll take one last dance in the NCAA tournament.