A lot of times in the field of journalism there is an over emphasis on the quote. The sound bite is one of the most powerful tools in the business. But many times lost in the fray is the question that drew the quote.

On Wednesday, a simple question about the alleged phone calls by Terp fans to Duke players’ hotel rooms drew an interesting response by Duke coach Mike Kryzewski. After he brushed the calls off as no big deal and something that happens in many ACC towns, he launched into an impassioned plea for Terp coach Gary Williams and the program. With all that has gone on in the Terp program this year, every little bit counts.

It was the final question in Coach K’s nine-minute press conference, but it got a well-thought response that Kryzewski was obviously mulling about before walking into the room:

“People would be naive to think that over the years that people don’t try to do things. We have no problems. My relationship with Gary is the best,” Kryzewski said. “I admire Gary Williams and what he’s done with this program. And I admire the Maryland fans. Here’s a team that was 6-6. I think 6-6. 17 wins. They’re fighting. They’re out here as hungry as can be. I’m not going to pay attention if Jon’s picture is up. I admire their intensity, and I admire Gary’s team for what they’re doing. I mean, they’re fighting like crazy. That’s what he’s got here. I think he’s been here 20 years. We’re the same age. We came in together and all that. I think a lot of him. I think he’s as good as there is.”

edetweilerdbk@gmail.com