"Mike Krzyzewski is the right man at the right time," said Colangelo, who was appointed Managing Director of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program on April 27, 2005. "His professional record speaks for itself. His loyalty and commitment to his country is more than self evident and his success as a leader of men is also a part of who he is."

With Krzyzewski at the helm, the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team will compete in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (Aug. 19-Sept. 3 in Saitama, Japan); if necessary the 2007 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD); and if the USA qualifies, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, China).

"For me, this is the ultimate honor in coaching," said Krzyzewski. "It is a chance to represent the United States at this elite level of basketball. I am honored to be chosen and look forward to the opportunity to develop this team that will represent our great country in its own sport, both on and off the court."

Krzyzewski, who will turn 59 years old on Feb. 13, becomes the first collegiate coach to mentor a USA Senior National Team since USA Basketball began utilizing professional players in 1992.

"Our senior men's program will be tremendously served by Mike's extraordinary capabilities and stature and his superb leadership both on and off the court," said USA Basketball President Val Ackerman. "We are very proud to unite the best of professional and college basketball as we look to reclaim our dominance in both World Championship and Olympic competition."

Since first fielding a USA Basketball team of legendary NBA stars in 1992, USA Basketball senior national teams comprised of NBA players have claimed gold medals in eight of 10 major international basketball competitions, while compiling an impressive 74-6 overall record (.925 winning percentage) in those international competitions and a record of 23-1 (.958 winning percentage) in exhibition games.

"This is a banner day for the great game of basketball in our country," said USOC Chairman of the Board Peter Ueberroth. "Mike Krzyzewski is one of the most-respected coaches in the game, and he is an outstanding choice to lead the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team for the next three years. Mike understands that success is achieved only through an unwavering commitment to excellence, and he recognizes the honor and responsibility that come with representing our nation in the international arena. We applaud USA Basketball for its leadership in making this appointment."

FOR THE COMPLETE RELEASE GO TO: http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_krzyzewski.html