The United States’ men’s national basketball team has found its next head coach, as Gregg Popovich will take the mantle from 2017 to 2020 after Mike Krzyzewski’s run ends following the 2016 Rio Olympics.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo made the announcementFriday in a press release:
There is no doubt in my mind that we have the great fortune of bringing on board one of the NBA’s best and most successful coaches ever to lead the USA National Team for the 2017-20 quadrennium. By making this decision now, it will allow us to have a clean, efficient and immediate transition following the 2016 Olympic Games.
In the same release, Popovich said he is “humbled and honored” to have the opportunity to lead USA Basketball into its next phase.
Krzyzewski will serve as a special adviser for the U.S. national team during Popovich’s run as head coach. The team announcedColangelo will continue on as Director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
Kevin Durant reacted to the news, via Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman:
Krzyzewski is leaving huge shoes to fill, as he has built teams that have compiled a 75-1 record with two Olympic gold medals and a chance at a third next summer.
If any coach can fill the Coach K void, it is Popovich. He is widely regarded as the NBA’s best head coach, and he has led the San Antonio Spurs to 16 consecutive seasons with at least 50 wins since 1999 and five NBA titles in the last 17 years.
Got the drop on BR . . .