Basketball - Mike Krzyzewski Honored As USA Basketbal

Duke University men’s basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski is the coach for the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National program. In 2006, he was in the first year of a three year assignment and helped to restore pride and respect in the team. Krzyzewski coached the US Senior Men to a bronze medal in the 2006 World Championship.

It was announced that Krzyzewski was the recipient of the 2006 USA Basketball’s National Coach of the Year Award for his achievement.

Krzyzewski felt honored to receive the award and said that it was more special since it came from USA Basketball. He thanked the team members for their hard work and dedication.

The 2006 Men’s Senior National Team had a 5-0 record before the World Championship in a series of exhibition games. The USA Men’s World Championship Team was made up of 12 USA Senior National Team members and it finished 8-1 at the 2006 FIBA World Championship where it won the bronze medal.

USA Basketball Executive Directo Jim Tooley said that Krzyzewski had done an excellent job and that he had created an excellent team which the country was proud of.

Krzyzweski was assisted by Jim Boehim, Syracuse University and Hall of Fame mentor, Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix Suns’ head mentor and Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach. Rudy Tomjanovich was the team’s Director of Scouting and Johnny Dawking was the Director of Player Personnel.

Krzyzewski was selected for the award by the USA Basketball Executive Committee. USA Basketball have also nominated Krzyzewski for the 2006 National Coach of the Year award which is given by the US Olympic Committee. The award will be announced later in the year.