Agree with OP
Definitely agree that the bball community is taking a stronger liking to Coach K. His accomplishments in the last 2 years have been fantastic and, as many pointed out, he has definitely calmed down. Players left and right seem to love him, and he's become more likable in interviews.
That said, people still hate Duke like crazy. While Duke will always to associated with Coach K and vice versa, Coach K being more liked has little influence on Duke being liked. People still hate us, and probably always will (I wouldn't have it any other way ).
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club