Ty Lue Gets Honest About Coaching Team USA Basketball
There are very few honors in the world that mean more in the game of basketball than being a part of Team USA. For Clippers head coach Ty Lue, the entire moment has felt like a culmination of everything in his basketball career.
Ty Lue spoke with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, where he opened up about his coaching experience with Team USA. According to the article, Lue was supposed to be a part of Team USA in 1997 until an injury prevented him from doing so.
“I think it’s an honor,” Lue said. “You grow up watching basketball, watching the Olympic team, the Dream Team, you always want to play for those teams. I wasn’t good enough, but it’s amazing to have an opportunity to represent my country in any capacity. So, coaching is what it is.”
Lue is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA by players and coaches. Initially, he wasn't picked to be a part of the coaching staff, but once Monty Williams bowed out, Steve Kerr immediately contacted Lue.
“Monty had his situation and Steve and Grant called me right away and said, ‘How would you like to be a part of it?’” Lue said. “And I said, ‘Are you serious?’ It’s a dream come true. To have an opportunity to coach the USA team, to be around great players and a great staff, it was a no-brainer for me. I felt badly for Monty, but he called me, said I’d have a great experience.”
The United States is fresh off of a win against Germany, and still in fantastic standings for the gold medal. Nothing would make Ty Lue and the rest of the young roster happier than coming home with the gold.
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