Q: How would you describe your fellow coaches' coaching styles?</b/
CC: Coach Dawkins, he's not as outward with his emotions. He's a guy who commands great respect. When he talks, everyone listens. He's respected by all.... He has a great way of identifying with especially our great players. Whereas Wojo and I were good players, but we didn't really get to the level where he was, in terms of being an All-American and a lottery pick and all that. He has the ability to really relate to some of our star players in that way.
SW: Chris has an amazing enthusiasm for the game. He grew up around it with his dad being in the game, so he has an unbelievable amount of knowledge in that respect. He really gets along with the guys well, and he's a fiery competitor.
CC: Wojo is a passionate coach, he loves the game, loves to teach and he's emotional as well. He's not afraid to light a fire under somebody if they're not doing what they are supposed to do or to grab a guy and bear hug him if he's doing great. I think that's why the three of us have such a great chemistry, because we really blend with each other well and complement each other.
Q: What allows the three of you to work so well together?
SW: I think one of the greatest strengths of our staff is the fact that we all played here. And we all went through different times as a player. Chris and I were here in '95, when we went 13-18, and Johnny obviously was a big part of the foundation of the program, and that started with a few years of struggle. So we come with the understanding that you just don't inherit outstanding teams or an outstanding program. Because we were there when we were struggling.
Q: Coach Dawkins, what did you get out of your experience coaching with the USA national team?
JD: I really got a wealth of stories from just watching some of the best players to play during our time. I can tell them how complete a player Lebron is, and it's based on how he practices. I played during the era of Bird, Jordan and Magic. But it's gotten to where they are so far removed, some of the [Duke] guys weren't even born during their prime.
So it's good to be able to be current, and talk about guys that have commercials right now and that are playing for championships now.
Q: Coach Dawkins, many people consider you the heir apparent for when Mike Krzyzewski retires. Have you and he talked about the future in that respect?
JD: Not at all. I would love to be a head coach someday, but my wish is that Coach [Krzyzewski] coach for as long as possible because he is so great for the game and great for the student athletes.
Q: Under what circumstances could you see yourself leaving Duke for another coaching job?
JD: I've never really entertained leaving. I've been happy with where I am, and I know it will happen eventually. But I don't have a timetable or a place in mind or anything like that. If you are worried about where you will be in a few years, you can't do the best job where you are.
SW: When the time comes, I believe there will be a feeling, and I'll get great advice and then it will be time to go. But right now, and I can speak for the other guys, our total focus in on these kids, because that's what they deserve.
CC: There's no question I have a desire to be a head coach and have a program one day, but I'm definitely in no rush. It would have to be a situation that I felt would be a great situation for my family and a place where I felt I could be very successful. Unless Coach K is kicking me out the door, I'm in no rush to leave anytime soon.
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