Coach Krzyzewski is done! He said it during the summer entering the London 2012 Olympics, which saw Team USA basketball conquer the sport winning gold for the second consecutive time. Find out other possible coaches that could possibly substitute as this legend is set to retire from international competition.
Coach Krzyzewski is one of a kind, but if there's one guy who can balance youth and stars it's Doug Collins. Last season, he took his young Philadelphia 76ers team to the playoffs after grabbing hold of the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. They almost made the Eastern Conference Finals after pushing the Boston Celtics to the brink in an exciting series that went the distance. The 76ers were knocked out in Game 7 of the series.
Collins managed his team well and provided his players with the confidence to succeed in pressure situations. However, following his meltdown in front of the press as the 76ers are struggling in 2013, chances are Collins might get overlooked.
Doc Rivers
A more logical choice for Coach Krzyzeski's replacement is the man who beat Collins last year in the playoffs. Rivers is one of the more popular coaches in the NBA and he's a champion. Known for losing his voice and being animated on the sidelines, Rivers has the drive and passion to lead any team to victory.
In 2007-2008, Rivers had three superstars leading his team. Kevin Garnett, Paulr Pierce and Ray Allen joined forces while they were still in their prime. Many wondered how the three would get along and Rivers basically took a seat in the back and let these guys play it out.
The Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and were crowned champions. Rivers was also coaching a young and even more immature Rajon Rondo at the time. Many wondered if the young point guard had it in him to run the offense filled with three of basketball's best and he eventually proved to be skilled enough to keep the job in Boston.
Jeff Van Gundy
Are we really never going to see Van Gundy on the sidelines yelling at opposing players and refs? Now known more for his on-air personality as a broadcaster/anaylist for ESPN, vVn Gundy has been distant from the game as far as coaching, but at times, during broadcasts, his vision allows him to predict outcomes. It only makes us wonder if he's capable of coaching again.
Van Gundy took the New York Knicks all the way to the NBA Finals back in 1999, but they lost to the San Antonio Spurs that year. Van Gundy had some tough characters in that team and he almost made them champions.
More news on the actual replacement coach for Coach Krzyzewski is coming. They are wondering on whether to get an NBA coach or bringing in another college basketball coach to run Team USA.
The next international competition will take place in 2014 as the Basketball World Cup is set to take place.