How sweet it is: Duke celebrates title

The national champion Duke Blue Devils returned to campus Tuesday afternoon to the cheers of thousands. The team captured the university’s fourth NCAA men’s basketball title Monday night with a thrilling last-second victory over Butler, 61-59.

The players took the stage at Cameron Indoor Stadium to cheers of "Let's go Duke!" Organizers estimated the crowd at more than 9,000.

The first to address the gathered fans was Coach Mike Krzyzewski. "We won the national championship," he began.

"It's good to be home ... It'll be even better to see a fourth banner," he said, gesturing to the rafters.

After the coach concluded, he turned the microphone over to his players.

Jon Scheyer thanked the fans. "You guys are the best, the best," he said.

"This past 24 hours has been incredible," Brian Zoubek said. "But seeing you all here today, packing this house, that's the best for me!"

After the seniors spoke, Krzyzewski called on junior Kyle Singler, whom fans greeted with a chant of "One more year!"

Sentimental favorite Nolan Smith said he was left speechless. "All these guys are my brothers," he said.

Krzyzewski referenced Smith's father, who won a national championship with Louisville in 1980 but passed away before he could see his son match that achievement.

Krzyzewski said that in December he and his staff recognized the team needed to get together. "We could not afford to have a weak link," he said.

After turning from the mic and saying, "Let's get together guys," the coach and his players locked elbows on the stage, demonstrating how they became and unbreakable unit.

Krzyzewski capped his day with a phone call from President Barack Obama. Obama congratulated the Blue Devils and invited them to the White House at the date to be determined.