Coach K deciding his Team USA future in July
Krzyzewski, Colangelo will agree on course before minicamp next month
 | Mike Krzyzewski coached the U.S. team the last three years, leading it to the Olympic gold medal last year after a third-place finish in the 2006 world championships. |
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Mike Krzyzewski’s decision on his future as U.S. national team coach is expected to come next month.
Krzyzewski and USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo discussed the job over dinner this week. Colangelo previously had said he expected to announce the coach in the fall.
USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller said Wednesday that the two men agreed a coaching decision would come before the Americans’ minicamp for young players from July 22-25 in Las Vegas.
Krzyzewski likely wouldn’t coach at the minicamp, but he might be there looking at players who could someday wear USA uniforms for him.
Krzyzewski revealed the change in plans Tuesday night during a press conference before Game 3 of the NBA finals, where the NBA and NCAA announced the name of their joint initiative, called iHoops, to support and improve youth basketball programs.
“By the time we have our event in mid-July, I think a lot of things will be put forward at that time,” Krzyzewski said. “By mid-July, I think it’ll all be out there.”
Colangelo would like Krzyzewski to return but doesn’t want the coach to rush into a decision. The Americans don’t play this summer, so they have time.
Krzyzewski coached the U.S. team the last three years, leading it to the Olympic gold medal after a third-place finish in the 2006 world championships. The Americans’ next competition is the 2010 worlds in Turkey.
If Krzyzewski opts not to return, New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, an assistant the last three years, is a leading candidate to replace him.
If he does come back, Krzyzewski could be joined by the core of his Olympic champions.
Colangelo said during a meeting in February with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Chris Bosh, that the players said they would be open to returning next summer and in the 2012 London Games.
The Americans will bring in about 24 players, including Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, to the July minicamp to identify players who could fill whatever spots are available in 2010.
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