Mike Krzyzewski on Dean Smith: "We have lost a man who cannot be replaced."

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski released a statement on the passing of North Carolina legend Dean Smith:

“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Dean Smith. We have lost a man who cannot be replaced. He was one of a kind and the sport of basketball lost one of its true pillars. Dean possessed one of the greatest basketball minds, and was a magnificent teacher and tactician. While building an elite program at North Carolina, he was clearly ahead of his time in dealing with social issues. However, his greatest gift was his unique ability to teach what it takes to become a good man. That was easy for him to do because he was a great man himself. All of his players benefited greatly from his basketball teachings, but even more from his ability to help mold men of integrity, honor and purpose. Those teachings, specifically, will live forever in those he touched. We offer our deepest sympathies – and gratitude for sharing his incredible life with us for so long -- to Linnea, his children and the entire North Carolina family.”

Krzyzewski coached against Smith from 1980-1997 and developed an incredible amount of respect for his old rival over the years. Krzyzewski reflected on their relationship in a story published last year: “We became, actually, very good friends. I love Dean. He’s remarkable. Truly remarkable.”

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This story was originally published February 8, 2015 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Mike Krzyzewski on Dean Smith: "We have lost a man who cannot be replaced." ."