Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Steve Vacendak, former Duke and American Basketball Association star. Vacendak ranks among the top guards in Duke basketball history. Playing under Hall of Fame coach Vic Bubas, he helped turn the Blue Devils into a national power during the 1960s. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Vacendak played at Duke from 1963 to 1966. During his three varsity seasons, Duke posted a 72-14 record, reached the NCAA Final Four twice, won an ACC championship, and finished as the national runner-up. It was one of the most successful eras in the program’s history.
Because freshmen were not eligible for varsity play, Vacendak made his Duke debut as a sophomore during the 1963-64 season. That year, the Blue Devils reached the NCAA Championship Game before losing to John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty. Two years later, Duke returned to the Final Four after winning the ACC Tournament and finished third in the nation. Vacendak played a major role in both tournament runs with his scoring, defense, and leadership.
His best season came in 1965-66 when he served as Duke’s captain. The Blue Devils finished 26-4, won the ACC Tournament, and reached the NCAA Final Four. Vacendak averaged 13.3 points per game and established himself as one of the ACC’s top defensive guards. He was named ACC Player of the Year, one of the conference’s highest individual honors. He remains the only player in ACC history to win the award without being named First Team All-ACC, a reflection of the respect coaches and media had for his leadership and overall impact.
Vacendak was at his best in the ACC Tournament, which carried extra importance in an era when only the conference champion advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1966 after scoring a team-high 18 points in Duke’s championship win over NC State. He was also a two-time First Team All-ACC Tournament selection and twice earned All-East Regional honors during NCAA Tournament play.
During his three varsity seasons, Vacendak played in 84 games and scored 953 career points, averaging 11.3 points per game. His greatest value, however, went beyond the box score. His defense, toughness, and leadership helped define one of the most successful periods in Duke basketball history.
The San Francisco Warriors selected Vacendak in the fourth round of the 1966 NBA Draft, but he chose to play in the American Basketball Association. He spent three seasons in the ABA and won a league championship with the Pittsburgh Pipers in 1968.
After his playing career, Vacendak returned to Duke as Associate Athletic Director, where he helped shape the future of the athletic department. One of his most lasting contributions came in 1980, when he strongly recommended Army head coach Mike Krzyzewski for Duke’s vacant basketball coaching position. Duke hired Krzyzewski, who went on to build one of the greatest coaching careers in college basketball history. In an interesting twist, Vacendak also encouraged NC State to consider Jim Valvano for its head coaching opening. The Wolfpack hired Valvano just nine days after Duke named Krzyzewski its new coach.
Vacendak’s legacy has been recognized with induction into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame, selection as an ACC Basketball Legend, and induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. His accomplishments on the court, combined with his continued service to college athletics, have secured his place among the most respected figures in Duke basketball history.
Mark Your Calendar
8/5/26 – Binuk Kodituwakku, General Manager, Duke Football
8/19/26 – A Special Guest Speaker
9/2/26 – A different Special Guest Speaker