Kyrie Irving had to clarify remarks he made Monday night on Mike Krzyzewski’s future with the U.S. Olympic basketball program. The Cavaliers franchise point guard and #1 pick in the #NBA draft this past June, had to back off earlier made comments by saying he spoke prematurely in saying Krzyzewski would coach the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.
“I spoke to Coach K (and) he did tell me he was coaching, but I prematurely spoke on that,” said Irving, who played at Duke last season. “But I know he’s going to be part of USA Basketball. That’s the most important thing. That’s what made my decision easier.” He’s going to be part of the USA staff anyway whether he’s coaching or not. That way it’s easy for me,” he was quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
From Tom Reed, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Irving, who maintains dual citizenship, announced Monday night he will not play for Australia in the Summer Olympics. The 19-year-old will compete for the U.S. Select team, which is an Olympic feeder program, with hopes of being part of the Olympic squad in four years in Brazil.
The point guard has chatted with Krzyzewski several times on the topic. But in revealing his decision Monday, Irving also said he “found out Coach K would be coaching in 2016.”
Coach K released a statement an hour ago refuting that:
“While Kyrie and I have discussed his potential role with USA Basketball in the future, my focus right now is on the remainder of our Duke team’s season and the 2012 Olympics. Jerry Colangelo and I have not discussed anything beyond what is ahead of the USA National Team this summer as we pursue a gold medal in London.”
As did Irving:
“I spoke to Coach K (and) he did tell me he was coaching, but I prematurely spoke on that,” said Irving, who played for the legendary mentor at Duke last season. “But I know he’s going to be part of USA Basketball. That’s the most important thing. That’s what made my decision easier.
“He’s going to be part of the USA staff anyway whether he’s coaching or not. That way it’s easy for me.”
Jerry Colangelo released a statement on this too.
“There’s been no discussion about roles beyond this summer, and it would be premature to do so. Kyrie is an exciting prospect who is on our radar and while it is impossible to forecast what will happen in the next couple of summers, I’m sure if he continues to play at the level he is playing at now he will be given serious consideration for future USA Basketball teams.”
Irving will try out for the U.S. Select team, which is an Olympic feeder program, with hopes of being part of the Olympic squad in four years in Brazil.
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