Mike Krzyzewski reveals assistant coach's role in big man improvements

Duke has gotten a big boost from starting center Mark Williams this season, who made a massive leap from his freshman performance. With a boost in nearly every statistical category so far this season, he provides a defensive anchor and offensive weapon inside the paint.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has been impressive with the improvement from a key piece of the starting lineup, which gives Duke a new element to its game. With double digits scoring in four of the last five games and 23 blocks over that span, Williams has asserted himself beside freshmen phenoms Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin and Trevor Keels on a real title contender.

“The lay-off really impacted him a lot,” Krzyzewski said of Williams. “But also, (Chris Carrawell) and Amile (Jefferson) worked, and they do an amazing job with the big guys. So this week, they had a week of work. Last night had a team meeting at 8:00, but they were in at 7:00 working, they were in early today working. And so their putting in the extra work.”

This season, Mark Williams is averaging 9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 blocks for Duke. He nearly secured a triple-double with his points, rebounds and blocks in last week’s game against North Carolina State, finishing with 19, 11 and 8.

Mike Krzyzewski on coaching staff

In his final season, Mike Krzyzewski has placed an added emphasis on promoting his assistant coaches to perform key tasks which will play a role in continued success after his departure. With associate head coach Jon Scheyer getting his first taste of head coaching earlier this month and the uncertainty on the sideline which comes during the COVID-19 pandemic, every member of the staff is getting their chance to shine.

The latest name dropped by Krzyzewski as a name to watch is associate head coach Chris Carrawell, who has worked with the big men since 2018. Aiding him this season is new director of player development and former Duke star Amile Jefferson.

“Chris Carawell is going to be a gem of a head coach at some time,” said Krzyzewski. “He’s a gem of an associate head coach. And we’ve been gifted with Amile, he’s been able to coach because C-Well was out for three weeks with a knee replacement and then I’m out. We’ve got to keep getting people not out, but it’s given him a chance to have an impact on the team.”