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Duke

Duke AD White: No concerns about Coach K with Team USA

By Adam Harris

Jul 24, 2009

Kevin White doesn't seem the least bit worried that Coach K's involvement with Team USA will have a negative impact on Duke's basketball program.  If anything, Duke's athletics director believes the experience will benefit the university.

On Tuesday in Las Vegas, it was announced that Mike Krzyzewski will return as the head coach of Team USA through the 2012 Olympics in London. 

The very first question posed to Coach K in the ensuing press conference:  "In what way does this impact your job at Duke?"

The potential impact on Duke hoops has been debated by fans and media since Krzyzewski first agreed to take the helm of USA Basketball in 2006.  While Team USA reclaimed Olympics gold in 2008, the Blue Devils have not advanced past the Sweet Sixteen in the past three seasons.

Krzyzewski has repeatedly down-played any connection between his dedication to Team USA and the declining success of Duke basketball.  On Thursday, Duke's AD lent his support while talking to 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio.

"I think it's priceless," White said.  "It gives him a platform like no other coach on the planet has.  If you talk to Mike – and I have, an awful lot – he feels it's really made him a better coach."