FIBA World Cup Coach Krzyzewski Has Connection To 2 Gruesome Player Injuries
DETROIT (WWJ) - With the disturbing image of Paul George's awkward fall fresh in the mind's eye - it must seem like deja vu all over again for Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Krzyzewski has been on the floor in connection with two horrific basketball injuries in as many years.
Most have witnessed, through the lens of television, George taken off the court mid-scrimmage with Team USA as they prepare for FIBA World Cup Basketball in Spain at the end of the month.
In a bizarre, injury laden twist, Krzyzewski was coaching Duke during the 2013 NCAA regional final game against Louisville as Kevin Ware went down --- in what agonizingly looked as if he had split his leg in half -- an injury that essentially ended Ware's tenure at Louisville.
And it's certainly looking as if George will miss the entire season with the Indiana Pacers -- as for Team USA's reaction:
Krzyzewski says the injury to George will only serve as more motivation for the team:
"The reaction from the players on the team - they are anxious to get going and they fell badly, obviously very badly about Paul ... he's part of our group," Krzyzewski said. "He's part of our brotherhood, and I don't think there will be a lack of motivation."
The teams roster was just trimmed the team down to 16 which includes the Pistons' Andre Drummond and while the final 12 man roster will be made at the end of their final camp in Chicago - which begins August 14.