The 2012 Summer Olympics are only a few months away.
The 2008 U.S. men’s basketball team won the gold medal under the tutelage of Coach Mike Krzyzekwsi and redeemed the status of the men’s national team after an abysmal performance in the 2004 games. Win or lose, though, this may be the end of the line for Krzyzewski coaching the Olympic team.
Regarding this upcoming Olympics, Coach K said,
“I think this is the last time. I hope we can win the gold medal.”
It’s not surprising that this would be his last Olympics. Coach K is getting up there in years, and will be almost 70 by the time of the 2016 games. As the years go by, the questions will even begin to swirl around on how long the legendary coach will even decide to remain as the head coach at Duke.
When playing in the Olympics, extra motivation isn’t needed. These players know they are literally playing in front of the entire world with the pride of the nation at stake. Still, after the coaching job Krzyzewski did to help redeem the team at the last Olympics, this group of players has the extra motivation of wanting to win for their coach.
The U.S. national team will most likely be the favorite going into the London games and there’s no reason why this team shouldn’t bring home the gold again. For Krzyzewski, there’s no better way to go out than on top.
Photo Credit: today.duke.edu
Steve Rosenberg
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