USA Basketball expects Krzyzewski to be the coach in Rio

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo expects Mike Krzyzewski to lead the Americans this summer, and the coach says he has "every intention" of being in Brazil.

Krzyzewski plans to have left knee replacement surgery following the completion of Duke's season, and Colangelo told NBA TV during All-Star weekend in Toronto that he was "thinking about what ifs" if Coach K's health prevented him from returning.

But Colangelo said Thursday in a statement that "at no time" have he and Krzyzewski discussed him not coaching this summer.

"I was aware that Coach planned to have knee replacement surgery immediately after Duke's season was completed, but at no time have Coach and I ever discussed him not coaching the USA National Team this summer," Colangelo said.

"I remain 100 percent convinced that there is no better coach to lead the U.S. as it looks to successfully defend its Olympic gold medal in Rio and represent the United States in a manner all Americans will be proud of."

Krzyzewski, 69, has been the US coach since 2005, leading the Americans to consecutive Olympic gold medals and two straight world championships.

He missed a game earlier this month after feeling ill and was briefly hospitalized at Duke University Hospital but rejoined the 20th-ranked Blue Devils the next day and has been with them since, including for their victory over No. 5 North Carolina on Wednesday.

"Our medical team here at Duke and I expect a full recovery following the rehabilitation process, and I have every intention of coaching the United States National Team in Rio at the 2016 Olympics," Krzyzewski said.

Duke, depending on its success in the NCAA Tournament, will have its season end anywhere from March 17 to April 4. The Olympics are scheduled to start August 5.