Mike Krzyzewski did not have to look far to replace former associate head coach Johnny Dawkins on the Duke bench.
Krzyzewski appointed Nate James as Duke's third assistant coach May 5. James, a key player on Duke's 2001 national championship team, served as the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach last year.
"Nate is a great addition to the staff," Krzyzewski said in a statement. "He was a valuable member of our program as a player and will be an asset as an assistant coach. His maturity, toughness and dedication to Duke will blend well with the current staff we have in place."
James played for the Blue Devils from 1996 until 2001, and is still the only player in ACC history to bring home five consecutive regular-season conference championships. He served as a captain twice and led Duke to its third national title in 2001, averaging 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
"One of the key things [Krzyzewski] and I spoke about was just continue to be who I am," James said. "As a player, the hard work and dedication I put into being a good basketball player, now I do the same thing as a coach. Working hard, learning all the things that I need to become a coach here that will help these guys, but just all the natural things that I do well: my leadership, my work ethic, my determination."
In the same statement, Krzyzewski announced the promotions of assistant coaches Steve Wojciechowski and Chris Collins. Both are now associate head coaches, taking over the role left vacant when Dawkins became Stanford's head coach April 26.
Another Plumlee for Duke
Duke added 2009 power forward Mason Plumlee Feb. 27. More than two months later, Krzyzewski has landed another Plumlee.
Miles Plumlee, a 2008 power forward, committed to Duke May 1, one week after he was released from his Letter of Intent at Stanford. The 6-foot-10 recruit-ranked the 17th-best power forward in his class by scout.com-will join the Blue Devils this year.
"We are fortunate to land a player of Miles' caliber this late in the recruiting process," Krzyzewski said. "He is a versatile player that continues to grow and mature physically. Miles gives us another skilled big man that can be an impact player on both ends of the floor."
Plumlee averaged 15.8 points and 6.9 rebounds in his senior campaign at Christ School in Arden, N.C., leading his team to its second straight state championship.
He will join Elliot Williams and Olek Czyz in Duke's incoming recruiting class, ranked No. 18 by scout.com.
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