“I pinch myself because it doesn’t seem real”: Howard HC Kenny Blakeney shares surreal experience of winning NCAA title with Coach K and Duke

Howard Bison's head coach, Kenny Blakeney, reflected on his college playing days under coach Mike Krzyzewski in a conversation with CBS Sports' Clark Kellogg. Blakeney said that just thinking about his college journey and NCAA titles feels like a dream.

However, Blakeney emphasized that he learned valuable lessons about the importance of relationships, leadership and connection with players — principles he is determined to integrate into his Bison program.

"I pinch myself because it doesn't seem real," Kenny Blakeney said (3:18). "But you know what I take from that is that if I can do that there's much more that I know I can do moving forward."

"A lot of it has to do with the relationship that Coach K had with his players and his leadership and his fire, being one of the best communicators, being organized. Just when I look at myself as a coach and I never thought that there's a lot of him that I took away, that I've implemented into our program at Howard."

Kenny Blakeney was a solid contributor for Coach K from 1991 to 1995. As a combo guard, Blakeney brought leadership, high IQ and defense to the court. He was a significant depth piece, helping Mike Krzyzewski, Grant Hill, Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley win the 1991 and 1992 NCAA championships.

Coach K continues to add to his award cabinet even after retiring

Earlier this month, Mike Krzyzewski was named one of the recipients of the 2025 Naismith Outstanding Contributors to Basketball award, alongside Muffet McGraw, by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

"Every year, we choose individuals who have made a profound impact on players and fans alike, truly embodying the spirit of basketball," ATC's Eric Oberman said. "It’s a privilege to honor these remarkable figures who dedicated their lives to fostering and advancing the game."

Despite retiring, Krzyzewski continues to maintain a strong presence in the college basketball scene. This summer, he worked with current Duke players and participated in the university's Centennial Founders' Day and Homecoming in September.

Additionally, Coach K frequently shares his insights on college basketball through interviews and podcast appearances. He also serves as a special adviser to basketball operations for the NBA.