Coach K in line for 'Dream' job in 2008 (also about Pop)

[Kori Ellis]

Coach K in line for 'Dream' job in 2008

By JAN HUBBARD

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/12472154.htm

After consecutive embarrassing losses by NBA players in international competition, the United States likely will rely on the leadership of a college coach to re-establish its supremacy in the basketball world.

Although a final decision will not be made until later this year, people close to Jerry Colangelo, who will make the final choice, say Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski will be head coach of the 2008 Olympic men's basketball team.

"It's going to be Coach K," said someone close to the committee. "And it's going to be very interesting because it's not going to go down well with NBA coaches because they will be passed over by a college coach. And will NBA players play for him?"

Colangelo, the managing director of the men's senior national team, does not deny that Krzyzewski is a finalist for the job but says he has not yet made a decision.

"Mike Krzyzewski brings a wealth of experience, and he was an assistant on the original Dream Team," Colangelo said. "So he has the qualifications for the job. But that's all I'm going to say."

Others close to the process, however, say Krzyzewski has the inside track over San Antonio's Gregg Popovich, who was an assistant on the 2004 team that lost in Athens. That loss is not considered a negative against Popovich.

"What Gregg Popovich has accomplished and because of his understanding of international basketball, he certainly would be one of the strongest candidates at the position," Colangelo said.

Colangelo said there is a third candidate with NBA ties.

People close to the committee say that the race is between Krzyzewski and Popovich and that Popovich should not be discounted. Not only has Popovich won three NBA titles in seven years, but he is close to Tim Duncan, who was frustrated with officiating in Athens and indicated he would no longer play in international events.

"Popovich may be the only one who could talk Duncan into playing, so he's not out of it," said someone close to the process.

One candidate not under consideration is former Mavericks coach Don Nelson, who would seem to be a good fit because of his knowledge of the international game and because, in his role as a Mavericks consultant, he has time to devote to a national team.

"He coached a team in '94 [at the world championships]," said a person also close to the committee. "So his name is not in the mix."

Colangelo said his committee, which has 29 members, including Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson in an advisory capacity, has narrowed the list of players to 25. One is Kobe Bryant, which may be surprising to some because of Bryant's legal problems last year and the recent controversies surrounding the Lakers.

"This team is about redemption," Colangelo said. "What a great opportunity for Kobe Bryant to be a part of something that can help to change the perception of him and the perception of the U.S. basketball team. I am not going to rule out talent. Kobe Bryant is too good to not be a candidate. He's a great player."

Colangelo also wants to have a coaching staff with international experience, and people close to the committee indicate that Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni and Detroit coach Flip Saunders are two of the leading candidates for assistant coaching positions.

D'Antoni, who spent more than 20 years in Italy as a player and coach, would seem to be a candidate for the head coaching position because of his connection to Colangelo, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Suns. But one member of the committee said: "There is a feeling that Mike hasn't been around the U.S. teams quite long enough to run the whole show. But he could add a lot to the staff."

D'Antoni might coach the 2006 World Championship team. Colangelo indicated that, when a staff is named, the 2008 coach may not necessarily coach in the 2006 tournament but would play a role in training and preparation.

If Krzyzewski does become the head coach, he will be the first college coach to hold the position.

NBA players have played in four Olympics and two world championships since 1992 and each of those teams has been coached by an NBA coach. Naming a college coach to head a team of NBA players would be a dramatic move, but, after losses in Athens and at the 2002 World Championships, USA Basketball has made a radical change, which is why Colangelo will have the final word on the coaches and players.

"Jerry's management style is to listen to as many people as possible," said someone close to the process. "But, when it's all said and done, he'll take the information and say, 'I don't care what anybody says; this is what I'm doing.' Once he makes a decision, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks. And he never looks back."

Mike Krzyzewski

Age: 58 College: Army, '69

Current job: Duke University

Career record: 721-246 (30 seasons)

Notable: Head coach, Duke, 1980-present ... Assistant coach, USA, Barcelona Olympics, 1992 ... Head coach, USA, World Championships, 1990 ... Head coach, Goodwill Games, 1990 ... Head coach, USA, World University Games, 1987 ... Special assistant, USA, Los Angeles Olympics, 1984 ... Head coach, Army, 1975-80 ... Basketball Hall of Fame, enshrined, 2001 ... National college championships, 1991, '92, 2001 ... 12-time national college coach of the year ... 10 Final Four appearances ... 66 NCAA Tournament victories (ranks No. 1 all time).

Gregg Popovich

Age: 56 College: Air Force, '70

Current job: San Antonio Spurs

Career NBA record: 455-233, nine seasons

Career college record: 76-124, eight seasons

Notable: Head coach, San Antonio Spurs, 1996-present ... Assistant coach, USA, World Championships, 2002 ... Assistant, USA, FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, '03 ... Assistant coach, USA, Athens Olympics, '04 ... General manager, San Antonio Spurs, 1994-2002 ... Assistant coach, Golden State Warriors, 1992-94 ... Assistant coach, San Antonio Spurs, 1988-92 ... Head coach, Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) College, 1979-86, '87-88 ... NBA championships, 1999, 2003, 2005 ... NBA Coach of the Year, '03.

[Kori Ellis]

I didn't think that Pop would really want this job. But then again, he really does love the Olympics. Anyway, I find if very interesting that he's under consideration.

[Summers]

And Pop would be a great choice if they do the 3-year commitment thing they talked about a couple months ago (making the players commit now and start practicing now as a team for the 08 Olympics...). But... wouldn't it be kind of presumptuous of them to think he would try to talk Duncan into changing his mind? I mean, I can see Duncan cooling off after a year or two and deciding it might be fun to play again, but I can't imagine Pop trying to convince him to play if he doesn't want to.

I also thought it was interesting Nelson was being considered. It seemed that he just sort of lost interest in basketball all together over the last year, didn't it?

[Phenomanul]

I didn't think that Pop would really want this job. But then again, he really does love the Olympics. Anyway, I find if very interesting that he's under consideration.


I find it funny that the committee is using Pop as leverage for getting Duncan to play with them.... :spin

[SequSpur]

If Pop quit the Spurs right now, would he get any run like Jackson and Riley do?

[ShoogarBear]

Well, you have to think of the qualified coaches who haven't done it yet there's:

PJax
K
Pop
Don Nelson :vomit
Roy Williams
Riley, I guess

It's a pretty short list. (Oh, yeah, Bob Huggins is free now. :D)

[ducks]

Krzyzewski knows the college game and international game is alot like that

if pop wants it fine but I think he should have time off unless he wants to use it to recruit players

[Taladro]

I have a question regarding the Dream team coaching job.
Shouldn't it be part of the duties of the coach to make the selection of players he will work with?. If not, Why not?

[1Billups1]

Yeah i think the coach should make the selections of the players.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Pop's probably forgotten more about the international game than Coach K could ever know.

Sad that they're only keeping Pop on the list as sort of a poor man's kiss ass to get Duncan to play.

[G-Nob]

Tim should only play regular season games from here until the end of his career. He shouldn't put any more stress on his body than he needs to. Especially after his knee and ankle problems.

[G-Nob]

*C* maybe I should have said NBA games only :)

[ducks]

duncan has .00000000000000001% of going to games

[Summers]

duncan has .00000000000000001% of going to games

Actually, I'd say there's about a 5% chance of him going :lol



I'm about 95 percent certain my FIBA career is over. FIBA sucks.

[Tek_XX]

why does coach chechefski get more play than pop? Because he coaches duke? He's a good coach and all but please i don't think he's really that much better.

[Kori Ellis]

Sad that they're only keeping Pop on the list as sort of a poor man's kiss ass to get Duncan to play.

I don't think that's the case. It's definitely the slant of this article. But I understand Coach K and Coach Pop are running neck and neck for the job, and it really isn't about Duncan playing or not. Most insiders are under the assumption that Duncan will not play, whether Pop is the coach or not.

[picnroll]

I wonder whether Pop or Krzyzewski would be better able to attract pros to play for the team. I know when NBA players were polled Pop was voted the coach they'd most like to play for by a fairly wide margin.

I'm cynical I think part of the reason Pop won't get the nod is because he'll want to keep everything low profile, limited access to the press, etc. and the NBA wants the hoopla.

[Kori Ellis]

I know when NBA players were polled Pop was voted the player they'd most like to play for by a fairly wide margin.

And that's probably one of the reasons why he's one of the frontrunners for the job. NBA players love Pop. Not many have a connection with Coach K like they have with Pop.

[Das Texan]

pop would be the natural choice for the job..


i hope he gets it, i would really root for the USA then, instead of the half assed attempt at rooting for them that happened last time, which happens when you have some giving half assed attempts.

[milkyway21]

"Popovich may be the only one who could talk Duncan into playing:lol that's blackmail.

BTW, I also read an article they were considering D'Antoni.

Anyway, i really doesn't matter to me at all if Duncan won't play again in the Olympics. I was as frustrated as he was when I watched those games. I was glad Manu, a Spur got the Gold , if not I'd really be pissed off.......

But I'd be glad if Pops gets the head coaching job.

[Kori Ellis]

I think D'Antoni wanted to be considered for the head coaching job, but instead he's been considered for an assistant spot.

[boutons]

"why does coach chechefski get more play than pop?"

he's more tele-genic? :)

American Express thinks so.

[milkyway21]

I wonder whether Pop or Krzyzewski would be better able to attract pros to play for the team. I know when NBA players were polled Pop was voted the coach they'd most like to play for by a fairly wide margin.


Jermaine O'Neal might play if Pops will coach, he once mentioned he really like Pops being with the team as asst. coach in the World... He was even surprised Pops even talked music:music with him.

That's one big man for the U.S.

[whottt]

Tim Duncan should never play another game for Team USA...Duncan went over there and represented America at a time when the country was very unpopular, it was a potentially dangerous situation and a lot of the popular NBA players wimped out...Duncan and AI were the only A-listers that stayed from the previous year and America crapped on them.

I don't blame Duncan for not wanting to play it again...if not for a technicality he has a National Team in the Virgin Islands that would have loved to have him play for them...

American Olympic Hoops fans that mostly deserted that team , don't deserve Tim Duncan...or AI. Don't do it Timmay...you did your part, don't sacrifice for the ungreatful fans that dumped on you. Let's start the whole thing over...Duncan did his part for a thankless Nation, and there was nothing spoiled or arrogant about him.


As for Pop...Pop is a great coach and has a great understanding of the international game...but it takes him time to get his teams to play well...he's not a guy that just gets some guys together and makes them competitive from day 1...because of that I don't think his style is suited to the short training period for the Olympics.

Phil Jackson OTOH hand is...and since he annoys the shit out of people...I think he'd be the perfect guy to coach team USA.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't think his style is suited to the short training period for the Olympics.

They'll be training for 3 years.

[whottt]

Yeah but...he still starts out slowly every year....Spam you know. This year was a little bit different but I still don't think it's Pop's style to start out fast....and that's really what it takes to win the Olympics...a quick fix guy.

[TexasAggie2005]

I don't know if most NBA stars could deal with the manner in which Pop treats his stars. For some reason I see a guy like Kobe or Carmelo taking issue with being called out in practice.

[Kori Ellis]

Yeah but...he still starts out slowly every year....Spam you know. This year was a little bit different but I still don't think it's Pop's style to start out fast....

But what does that have to do with it? The core of the team will be set within a couple months from now. Then they'll have the WC's next summer and the Olympics 2 years later. The team will be a regular organized unit that will be training regularly as a team over the next 3 years until the Olympics.

You just said that Pop wasn't suited to it because of the "short" training. Sure, if it was the same deal as it has been in the past, but it's not.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't know if most NBA stars could deal with the manner in which Pop treats his stars. For some reason I see a guy like Kobe or Carmelo taking issue with being called out in practice.

Kobe would be excellent under Pop. I don't know if Carmelo would be ever asked to participate. They almost sent him home last time.

[TheTruth]

Pop's probably forgotten more about the international game than Coach K could ever know.

Sad that they're only keeping Pop on the list as sort of a poor man's kiss ass to get Duncan to play.
I feel the same way. What could Coach K bring, other than his name, to the team that Pop couldn't bring more of.

[TheTruth]

I don't know if most NBA stars could deal with the manner in which Pop treats his stars. For some reason I see a guy like Kobe or Carmelo taking issue with being called out in practice.
Most of the players that he worked with as an assistant coach for the Olympics came away from it praising Pop.

[TexasAggie2005]

Kobe would be excellent under Pop. I don't know if Carmelo would be ever asked to participate. They almost sent him home last time.

Kobe would be an excellent player under Pop, but could he keep his ego under wraps? And maybe Kobe was a bad choice, he's actually a better guy than most people give him credit for. I would imagine there are some players that would have problems with a coach that didn't kiss their ass though. I don't think Pop would put up with all the egos. Popovich is the best coach in the NBA, but even I have to admit there are coaches better suited to managing teams full of superstars not named Tim Duncan.


EDIT: Pop wasn't in charge in the past Olympics, I'd imagine he'd be in a different situation as a head coach. Things are different when you have to defer to that carpetbagger from NY.

[TheTruth]

After the way we were embarrased the past few years, a player would really have to be full of himself NOT to buy into what the team is trying to accomplish.

[Kori Ellis]

Kobe would be an excellent player under Pop, but could he keep his ego under wraps? And maybe Kobe was a bad choice, he's actually a better guy than most people give him credit for. I would imagine there are some players that would have problems with a coach that didn't kiss their ass though. I don't think Pop would put up with all the egos. Popovich is the best coach in the NBA, but even I have to admit there are coaches better suited to managing teams full of superstars not named Tim Duncan.

Well I don't know. I can't think of a "star" player in the NBA with a big ego who doesn't have a tremendous amount of respect for Pop. The ego players (with the exception of Carmelo, who is just immature) in the league might have problems under coaches like Bzdelik or Rambis :lol but I can't imagine it under a coach they respect. I don't think Kobe would have any ego problems under Pop.

[whottt]

But what does that have to do with it? The core of the team will be set within a couple months from now. Then they'll have the WC's next summer and the Olympics 2 years later. The team will be a regular organized unit that will be training regularly as a team over the next 3 years until the Olympics.


How regularly? The NBA offseason? I don't think that's regular in the true sense of the word.

I don't think it fits Pop's style of coaching...Part of the reason we start slow is because Pop doesn't place a lot of emphasis on winning early, yeah he can do it, like we did this past year...but it's still not his style. I mean no one forced us to start slow and not put much emphasis on winning early during the Pop era, regardlews of the roster turnover...some guys are the every game counts type and that's not Pop's style...but it's what he's comfortable with...he's methodical, a slow starter and strong finisher. I don't think the Olympic/International format is best suited to that style.


You just said that Pop wasn't suited to it because of the "short" training. Sure, if it was the same deal as it has been in the past, but it's not.

They tried to return the team from the qualifiers but everyone bailed...it's not like this is a brand new strategy, it's actually similar to the pre dream team era.....I hope the new guys won't wimp out...but regardless of all of this...I still don't think the international format for tournaments suits Pop's style as a coach.

And on top of that I think it will burn him out...

[milkyway21]

i think Kobe respects Pops just like in the last All-Star game. Kobe likes to win(saw the tears:cry), and Pops is a winner and knows to deal players with attitude problems before-SJax, Big Dogg, and he likes Spree etc.

But i don't know if Pops likes to handle a U.S. team with both ShaQ and Kobe around :D. A clash of titans will probably arise if this happens.

[whottt]

The first requirement of being on new Team USA is being commited long term....not being an NBA Superstar. This new team might only have one or even fewer A-list stars on it...it's might be made up of guys playing over in Europe...and college players.

It's not going to be an ego managing type deal anymore. I don't see Shaq being a part of it...Kobe might, for image reasons and it might be the only winning he does for a few years...but the Dream Team is dead. Argentina killed it.

[TexasAggie2005]

Well I don't know. I can't think of a "star" player in the NBA with a big ego who doesn't have a tremendous amount of respect for Pop. The ego players (with the exception of Carmelo, who is just immature) in the league might have problems under coaches like Bzdelik or Rambis :lol but I can't imagine it under a coach they respect. I don't think Kobe would have any ego problems under Pop.

They respect Pop, but they also don't play for him. Easy to not have issues with someone you only know by reputation. Put it this way, I don't think Pop would be willing to deal with a lot of the crap players would bring (think AI a few years ago and his comments on practice) and he would have to deal with over an extended period of time like three years. But maybe I don't give Pop enough credit. And again, Kobe might have been a bad example.

[milkyway21]

but the Dream Team is dead. Argentina killed it.don't think so, Whott. They still are a threat.

if not of those "chicken-shit" players who backed out from the original team, USA would still reign supreme in basketball right now. this time they have to start early making a team ready for the next Olympics. hey, Argentina players played together for several yrs. How can a team who practiced for a very limited time can compete with that?

[whottt]

I am not saying team USA is dead...it just won't be the Dream Team format of throwing a bunch of All Stars out there and watching them destroy the other teams. It'll be a true team...

Team USA didn't lose because of talent...they lost because they weren't the best team...maybe if they had more stars they would have won...but if the stars don't know how to play team ball(like a lot of the ballhogging NBA stars these days) they won't beat a great team.

[milkyway21]

Team USA didn't lose because of talent...they lost because they weren't the best team...maybe if they had more stars they would have won...
i agree with you in some ways. it was really disappointing for some players in Pre-Olympics in Puerto Rico who played great for backing out in the last minute. Plus Kobe with some court problems.

but i think even if the original team did not go with Tim & Co as planned, with talents like LeBron, Amare, & Wade they can still beat Argentina. It's just they were not given a enough time to gel and be comfortable with each other's moves.

USA is always be a threat to basketball anywhere in the World. They still have the best players in the world. But to win they don't need to send superstars, they shld send a team.

If Pops gets selected as coach, it's really a touch act for him: Bringing back team USA at the top of the game but it can be done.

[Kori Ellis]

J. Colangelo dreaming up redemption

Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 28, 2005 12:00 AM

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0828bickley0828.html

Piece by piece, Jerry Colangelo is trying to put the Dream Team back together.

Alas, his son has the same mission here in Phoenix.

"This is a story of redemption," the elder Colangelo said from the bleachers in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. "Who wouldn't want to be a part of this?"

With all these colors to worry about - red, white, blue, purple and orange - it has been a strange summer for the first family of Phoenix basketball. BryanColangelo is attempting to survive hurricane season with the Suns, where the most entertaining team in years has been stripped down, rebuilt and repainted. The Corvette now looks like a Hummer.

Meanwhile, father Jerry is on a roll. His search for head coach of Team USA is down to Mike Krzyzewski, Gregg Popovich and another unnamed NBA coach. Although Colangelo has held multiple conversations with Krzyzewski - "he epitomizes a lot of what you're looking for" - the appointment is no sure thing. No matter who gets the job, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni will be part of the staff.

"He's definitely in the mix," Colangelo said.

So is Kobe Bryant, who sees his own shot at redemption.

"I've gotten word that (Bryant) is waiting for a call," Colangelo said. "I think this would be a great opportunity for him."

The olive branch extended to Bryant means there is no chance of Shaquille O'Neal playing for Team USA, although he's not the type of player Colangelo is looking for, anyway. Even if he leads the NBA in scoring next season, don't expect Hawks guard Joe Johnson to get an invite, either.

While Colangelo has already succeeded in laying a bold vision for Team USA, he is not abandoning the Suns. He claims NBA types everywhere keep telling him what a great job his son has done keeping the boat afloat.

What else would you expect him to say?

Then again, it will all be true if the Suns succeed in snaring Michael Finley for the veteran's minimum salary. If Finley comes back to Phoenix, Colangelo's son could repeat as Executive of the Year again, and that's pretty hard to do in the NBA. But it doesn't sound promising.

"I've spoken with Michael and he really appreciates the interest," Colangelo said. "But money will be a factor with him. That's just the way it is, so we'll see what happens. Either way, we really like our team."

He also wants you to know that Leandro Barbosa lit it up in the Dominican Republic. Colangelo said Barbosa scored 55 points in a span of two games, and it came after they talked about the loss of Johnson, and how it opened a door for the young Brazilian. Believe at your own risk.

Still, the older Colangelo has mellowed in the past couple of years. Personal criticisms hardly bother him at all, and to his credit, he won't try to spin the Suns' current roster.

"It will look a little different," Colangelo conceded, knowing the look of last year's team was half the appeal. "But we have a chance to be even better. These are big-time changes made in mid-stream, and if it all works, it'll be quite a story."

A chance? If? That's about as honest an assessment as you will get from a team official concerning the drastic changes.

But it would be quite a story, and even better than winning a gold medal in Beijing.