Mike Krzyzewski was explaining why he re-upped for three more years of volunteer service to coach the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team. He unconsciously fingered the gold medal ring he earned for coaching the U.S. to victory in Beijing while trying to sum up the experience.

“My grandfather came with two suitcases on a boat from Krakow, Poland, to Ellis Island,” said Krzyzewski. “He worked in a coal mine in Pennsylvania. Two generations later, his grandson coached the U.S. Olympic team. I’m not sure I can explain it any better.

Read the full story - Coach K, USA Basketball Moving to New Levels Together

Pencil in Kevin Durant for a spot on the 2010 version of Team USA.

Better yet, put it in ink.

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski singled out Durant and showered him with praise following the first day of a three-day minicamp for a group of 20 young players trying to make the senior national team.

Durant was the most dominant player on the floor in the team’s 12-minute scrimmage after the squad spent the bulk of Thursday’s practice working on drills. Friday’s practice was expected to be more focused on scrimmaging.

Read the full story - Coach K Lauds Durant’s Play at US Team Camp

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose battles for a loose ball with Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo during a playoff game in April. Rose is among 20 players at the Team USA minicamp this week at Valley High School. He hopes to make a strong enough impression to claim one of the few spots available for next year’s world championships team.

In a way, the 20 players participating in this week’s USA Basketball minicamp are no different from the millions of others who visit Las Vegas each year.

There’s a chance they might strike it rich, but only a select few will walk away winners.

Read the full story - Team USA Basketball: Roster Spots in Demand