Retiring Duke University Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski and Villanova Coach Jay Wright have similar careers and built their school’s programs in similar ways, write Mike Sielski for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Krzyzewski is college basketball’s most recognizable, powerful and popular coach, with 1,200 career victories and six national championships.

Now, with Krzyzewski’s exit, that title should be bestowed on Wright.

Both coaches have elevated university teams into a national basketball powerhouse.

 “Jay has built a program basically like Coach K did at Duke,” said Sixers President and general manager Billy King, “where it is a certain type of player with good character, who plays hard, plays team basketball, generally stays three to four years,” and who teach the younger players what they know.

By Krzyzewski’s sixth season, Duke was the No. 1 team in America, winning 37 games and advancing to the national championship game.

Three years in, Wright gave Villanova five straight seasons of at least 22 wins, four Sweet 16 appearances and the first of his three Final Fours.

Both coaches get to know the players, recruiting those who fit their personalities, and both coaches have stayed put despite receiving other offers.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about the similarities between Mike Krzyzewski and Jay Wright.