Coach Boeheim Checks In From London
7/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
You have had the unique opportunity of coaching Carmelo Anthony in college and then "checking in" with him as an assistant with the Olympic Team. What are the biggest differences in Carmelo's game in 2012 in comparison to when he was on the gold-medal winning 2008 team?
Melo is a more mature player this time around. He has worked very hard to get in great shape for this summer, so he has matured physically. His 3-point shooting has improved. He has done the things he needed to do to become a more complete player. So far, that has shown on this year's Olympic team.
Melo is a more mature player this time around. He has worked very hard to get in great shape for this summer, so he has matured physically. His 3-point shooting has improved. He has done the things he needed to do to become a more complete player. So far, that has shown on this year's Olympic team.
You and Coach K rank 1-2 in career victories among active Division I coaches. And now you find yourselves sitting next to each other on the coaching staff for the Olympic Team. Do you remember the first couple of times you met him?
I first met Mike on the recruiting trails and we got to know each other gradually that way. Our first time coaching together was the World Championships in 1990 in Argentina. Since that time, we've worked together, coached against each other, and have become close friends. Our families are close, as well. We have shared in weddings and personal celebrations over the years. It has been great fun working together over these years. We have shared in unbelievable basketball and life experiences.
Carmelo, LeBron and Kobie have been a strong core group for USA Basketball. Which of the newest members of the Olympic Team have impressed you the most and why?
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two young players with unbelievable basketball talent and great attitudes. They both work hard everyday and continue to get better on a daily basis because of their work ethic. They had huge success at Oklahoma City this year and are important players on this year's team.
What were the most beneficial things about the exhibition schedule the team played prior to the Olympics?
We played two or three of the best teams in the world and I think that's always going to help you prepare for the Olympics. These types of games really prepare you for the higher level needed to win a gold medal. Exhibition games test you and are very helpful in our preparation. We finished the exhibition games in perfect position to start the Olympic games.
Adrian Autry Show
Thursday, March 05
Naithan George postgame at Louisville
Wednesday, March 04
Adrian Autry postgame at Louisville
Wednesday, March 04
Highlights | Syracuse vs. Louisville
Tuesday, March 03
