Message from LA: Hello Duke fans! We recently caught up with two-time NCAA champ Tony Lang. Tony was inducted in the Mobile, AL Sports Hall of Fame earlier in April after a state title at LeFlore High School followed by four great years at Duke, six years in the NBA and several more pro seasons in the Philippines and Japan. About a year ago, Tony was named head coach of the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins of the Japan Basketball League.
What are your best Duke memories?
I had so many memorable memories at Duke my four years. Three memories stick out the most. These memories are winning the national championship in 1991, winning the national championship again in 1992, and graduating in 1994. Those championship years will always be special. The friendships that formed those years will always be sacred to me. It was an honor to be part of something that special. I don’t think it can be matched. My graduation is something special also. I really had the best of both worlds as a student-athlete. Duke challenged me both on the basketball court and in the classroom.
Which former players do you stay in touch with the most and do you have any funny college stories to share?
I still stay in touch with Grant Hill, Jeff Capel, Stan Brunson, Quin Snyder, Wojo, Chris Carrawell, Nate James and Chris Collins. Grant, Chris, Jeff, and Stan may still remember my stylish car when we were at Duke — A 1980 Blue Grand Prix. We called it the Blue Ghost. All of those guys had the privilege of riding in the Ghost. The Blue Ghost had a few problems though. For instance, The Ghost could only be driven by me. There was a special way to start it and drive it. Once it got started, there was a special way to drive it. Once you drove it, it needed oil at least once a week. When I would take The Ghost to a drive-through restaurant, I had to open the door to order because my window was broken and it couldn’t be rolled down. One day, Stan needed to use my car. I tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen. Stan got stuck on an accelerating lane on 15-501. After I graduated from Duke, The Ghost was handed down to my brother Andre. A year later, the Ghost was stolen!!!!!
Best advice from Coach K?
Coach K gave me a lot of advice and still gives me advice. The best advice Coach gave me was to be myself. He told me to bring out the good qualities inside of me. He felt that I should come out of my shell and let people know my personality. He taught me to be more vocal and more passionate. When Coach named me tri-captain my senior year, he gave me responsibility. He gave me a chance to be a leader. Before the 1994 season, Coach invited me to his house and told me that my leadership was the key to our team being successful. I didn’t have the chance before that to lead because we had great leaders like Bobby, Christian and Brian in the years before. We also had the best player in the country on our team, Grant Hill. Coach told me to believe in myself. He saw something in me that I didn’t. I didn’t want to let him or my team down. That year, we were one possession away from winning our third championship in four years. Those experiences helped me to become successful in my career.
Favorite in-game memory at Duke?
My favorite game memory was “The Shot.” We all know what “The Shot” was — the shot Christian made against Kentucky was one of the most clutch plays ever. I was under the basket when the shot went in. All I could do was fall. My second favorite moment was winning back-to-back championships in 1992. Beating Michigan made the victory even sweeter. We know why it was sweet, but we won’t go there. LOL!
Was there something in particular at Duke that has helped you during your career playing and coaching professionally in Japan?
Duke is a melting pot of different cultures. While at Duke I met different people from different countries with different customs, and I learned to respect different ways of thinking. That prepared me for my experience in Japan.
How have your Duke experience and time with Coach K impacted the teams and players you have coached since entering the coaching ranks?
Coach K taught me the importance of communication and teamwork. He taught us that with communication and teamwork you can build a strong defensive team. He taught me that defense is the key to winning championships. Coach K continues to teach me by giving me advice and helping me with things such as preparation, practice and game situations. I continue to confide in Coach and ask for advice.
Your first season as a head coach was cut short this year due to the earthquake. We were glad to hear you are okay…
I’ve experienced numerous earthquakes while living in Japan, but nothing like this last one. Fortunately we were 400 miles away from the epicenter. Although we were that far away, we still felt the earthquake. The city of Nagoya — where I live — had a 6.0 quake that shook for three minutes. By the grace of God my family and I were safe. Hopefully the country will continue to recover.
When you’re back in your hometown of Mobile after the basketball season ends in Japan, what do you do to relax? Any special summer plans?
When I return home from Japan, I spend as much time as possible with my family — my beautiful wife Lekeshia, and my sons T.J. (15) and Alan (11). The majority of our time is spent in baseball parks or basketball gyms and that is very important to me. We also run various camps and charity events as a family for those in need.
Here’s a recent interview with Tony from a local news station in Mobile…
WKRG.com News
