USA – Men’s and Women’s winning sides share Team of the Year award

COLORADO SPRINGS (National Team) – In recognition of outstanding, gold-medal performances at the FIBA World Championships, USA Basketball announced its men's and women's World Championship teams as co-recipients of the 2010 USA Basketball Team of the Year Award.

The men captured their first gold medal since 1994 in the world’s biggest international basketball tournament, while the women stood atop the World Championship podium for the first time since 2002.

“The team was young and had very little international experience,” said USA Men’s National Team head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

“Early on, it made a commitment to defense and creating quality scoring opportunities. As it gained experience playing together, and confidence from success, the team fought its way to the 2010 FIBA World Championship. All of the players were a pleasure to coach and willing to do whatever it took to bring home a gold medal. They were deserving champions.”

USA Women’s National Team head coach Geno Auriemma praised his team for accomplishing a very tough task in a grueling schedule.

“I think what you are asked to do (in the FIBA World Championship) is very difficult. You have to win nine games in 11 days,” he said. “To be able to do it with so little preparation is incredibly challenging. To come together as a group that quickly and to play that well and be as dominant as we were, I think that makes them pretty special.”

Despite being without any of the 2008 Olympians and featuring six players under the age of 22, the USA men’s team compiled a 9-0 record and ended a 16-year wait for a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Kevin Durant led by example and his incredible play was rewarded with him being named the tournament’s MVP and headlining the All-Tournament Team.

Despite naming the team two days prior to the start of play and having just one practice together as an official 12-member squad, the USA women’s team also compiled a 9-0 mark and took home gold from the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic.

USA stalwart Diana Taurasi was named to the All-Tournament Team.

“Winning both the men's and women's FIBA World Championships is an impressive accomplishment, and these certainly were two very impressive teams,” said USA Basketball Executive Director and CEO Jim Tooley.

“The World Championships are incredibly difficult tournaments to win because of the strong competition and demanding schedule, and USA Basketball couldn't be more proud of these two teams for meeting the challenges. Both teams played with incredible teamwork and sportsmanship, and to play both host countries in the finals was very exciting.”

FIBA