Duke University assistant basketball coach Steve Wojciechowski had told South Medford High coach Dennis Murphy that Mike Krzyzewski — the Blue Devils’ famed head coach — would be swinging by the school sometime this month to pay a visit to Kyle Singler’s stomping grounds.

But until Murphy picked up Krzyzewski at Rogue Valley International Airport last Tuesday, the mere possibility of the experience had to feel more like fantasy than reality.

That was the real "Coach K," however, walking South Medford’s halls, visiting with staff, poking his head into South Medford’s gym and spending a few minutes inside Spiegelberg Stadium watching a Panthers’ football practice.

No Division I university can offer a high school junior such as Singler a scholarship this early in the recruiting process. But when the head man journeys 3,000 miles from his school to visit yours, it’s a pretty strong indication that he wants you to a wear a Blue Devils uniform.

"He actually had a speaking engagement in Seattle the previous day," says Murphy. "And I think he felt that as long as he was on the West Coast, he might as well take a side trip to Medford."

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There was no advance notice that Krzyzewski was coming to town, per his request. The only people that knew were Murphy and South Medford principal Kevin Campbell. But the word spread like wildfire; there were multiple posts on the OregonLive Web site within an hour of his arrival.

It isn’t every day that a coach of Krzyzewski’s stature saunters into town. His Duke squads have won three national titles, appeared in 21 NCAA tournaments, 10 Finals Fours and posted an overall record of 648-187 since he took over the program 26 years ago.

Why did Coach K think it was important to pay a visit to Medford?

"He wants to find out what the environment is like for his recruits," says Murphy. "He wants to observe the city and the school a kid grows up in, meet his coach and teachers and really get a clear picture of what a kid is all about."

Krzyzewski, who graciously signed autographs for anyone requesting them, apparently was impressed with Singler’s surroundings.

"As he walked through the hallways he said, ‘I can tell this is a special place,’" says Murphy. "He felt there was a lot of passion and caring and enthusiasm from the teachers and staff."

Krzyzewski was equally impressed with South Medford’s gymnasium and its three separate hoop courts, and by the splendor and spaciousness of Spiegelberg Stadium and its artificial turf.

"He said most places weren’t like this," says Murphy.

Despite his nearly matchless coaching record, Krzyzewski doesn’t go after all the top high school players. His recruits must fit a certain mold: be good students, good citizens and good teammates in addition to being good athletes.

The Duke mentor is adamant about his players becoming a basketball family. A family that sticks together and wins together.

And Singler, who carries a 3.4 grade-point average and has strong leadership qualities, seems to fit that mold.

Murphy says Krzyzewski compares Singler to Mike Dunleavy, the former Jesuit High standout who had a solid career at Duke and is now playing for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

"He really likes the way Kyle passes the ball and also his ability to bring the ball up for the floor," says Murphy.