USA/AUS - No talks on Coach K coaching in Rio

CLEVELAND (Olympics) - Australia-born Kyrie Irving has clarified his remarks about choosing to remain with USA Basketball instead of attempting to compete for the Boomers at the London Games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rookie, who played one year of college basketball for Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University before turning professional, admits he spoke prematurely when saying Krzyzewski would be at the helm of the United States side at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, something that made Irving’s decision to stay with USA Basketball easier.

USA Basketball have also issued a statement to say that no discussions have taken place about Krzyzewski’s role with the team beyond this summer.

Krzyzewski said in a statement issued by USA Basketball: “While Kyrie and I have discussed his potential role with USA Basketball in the future, my focus right now is on the remainder of our Duke team’s season and the 2012 Olympics.

"(USA Basketball chairman) Jerry Colangelo and I have not discussed anything beyond what is ahead of the USA national team this summer as we pursue a gold medal in London.”

Colangelo said: “There’s been no discussion about roles beyond this summer, and it would be premature to do so.

“Kyrie is an exciting prospect who is on our radar and while it is impossible to forecast what will happen in the next couple of summers, I’m sure if he continues to play at the level he is playing at now, he will be given serious consideration for future USA Basketball teams.”

In Cleveland, Irving spoke to reporters and said: “I prematurely spoke on that.

"I’m not sure if he’s going to be coaching, but I know that he’s going to be part of the USA program regardless.

"That’s what made my decision that much easier.”

Irving was born in Australia in 1992, when his father was playing professionally Down Under, but then moved to the United States.

He has dual citizenship.

The point guard was a leading player for the United States at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men.

Irving is averaging 18.6 points per game and is a leading contender for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award.

He will compete for the U.S. Select team, which is an Olympic feeder program, with hopes of being part of the Olympic squad in four years in Brazil.

FIBA