It’s a command played out in countless junior high gymnasiums and one usually met by grumblings and groans. “Defensive slides,” the coach tells his players, his voice even but stern.
Only this isn’t any coach. This is Coach Mike Krzyzewski, synonymous with Duke and winning. Coach K, to nearly everyone now.
And this isn’t any team, let alone one of seventh- and eighth-graders. This is the USA men’s Olympic team, a squad full of big stars, who earn bigger paychecks and strut even bigger egos. Except there is no grumbling, no groaning. Only a smile from Kobe Bryant as the team splits into two, going to separate baselines and Krzyzewski, notebook in hand, straddling the midcourt line while keeping one keen eye trained on each side.
