D'Antoni On The USA Team

[George O'Brien]

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/dantoniqa_060725.html

One-on-One with Mike D’Antoni


By Steven J. Koek, Suns.com
Posted: July 25, 2006
Suns Head Coach Mike D'Antoni might want to think about getting a time share in Las Vegas. Following the Suns’ appearance at the Toshiba Vegas Summer League two weeks ago, he headed back up to Nevada as an assistant coach for the first phase of USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team’s selection process for the World Championships in August.

D'Antoni will return to Las Vegas on Monday as the team prepares to travel to China and Korea to play exhibition games before moving on to Japan for the World Championships beginning on August 19. Suns.com caught up with the former NBA Coach of the Year on his way back to the Valley and talked about the status of Shawn Marion and Amaré Stoudemire, as well as his first foray in the USA Basketball program.

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Suns.com: First cuts on the team were announced today. How difficult a process was that?

Suns Head Coach Mike D'Antoni: “Last night they let people know and announced the team. It’s tough because you could make a case for any of them. We had a lot of guys who were injured and were they not injured it would have been tougher. But, all of them played well and we had to move forward. I think we’ve got a really good team.”

Suns.com: What is the status of Shawn Marion’s knee?

D'Antoni: “It’s a sore knee. Not a hurt knee, but he’ll have an MRI to make sure. He’s just worn out a little bit and it’s a good summer for him to recuperate. He’s done the Olympics, he’s done the world games. He’s still one of 25 guys who has a shot at this team and this is a good way for him to rest up until the Phoenix Suns season.”

Suns.com: Reports are that Amaré Stoudemire has made some great strides this past week. What is your evaluation of his progress?

D'Antoni: “He’s been looking better. He’s still not his old self, but he’s definitely a lot better than he was in summer camp. He’s still progressing and he’s looked pretty good. His last day was better than his first day, so we’re pretty happy with his progress. He’s got a ways to go, but he’s working hard and he’s really enthusiastic. He’s getting in shape and looks pretty good.

“He was also enthused by the hard work everybody’s doing. He brings it up to another level which is what we hoped when we entered this process. When you’re playing by yourself or you’re playing with guys at a certain level, you kind of play at that level. But when you play with the best in the world it raises your game. That’s what’s happened with Amaré.”

Suns.com: How has the experience of working under Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski been for you?

D'Antoni: “Coach K is great. There’s a reason why he’s in the Hall Of Fame. Not so much the Xs and Os, which everybody at this level does, but his ability to be able to team-build and get everyone involved from the coaching staff to the players is unparalleled. He just does an unbelievable job of doing that and it’ll be fun moving forward, learning and being part of a good thing.

“We want to run so we talk about running and things like that but every coach has different ways he likes to do things. I’m here to assist him and it’s been fun working with him.”

Suns.com: Do they all look to you when the discussion turns to the running game?

D'Antoni: “Every coach has the ego to think they’re the best and that’s how it should be. But the team is going to be built on speed and defense so there are plenty of areas for everybody.”

Suns.com: How seriously have the players taken this camp?

D'Antoni: “They are very serious and the hard work has been incredible. I’m looking forward to continuing that and the players have been very serious, very professional, but at the same time having a good time.”

Suns.com: Has any one player impressed more than the rest?

D'Antoni: “The usual suspects, Dwyane Wade and company. But it would be unfair to say one guy over another because they’re all really good players.”

Suns.com: How much has it helped to have your coaching staff up there with you?

D'Antoni: “Each coach has brought their staff here and are able to do the drills. They’re doing a lot of the heavy lifting and it’s a great thing.”

Suns.com: Have you been able to enjoy Las Vegas at all or has it been all work and no play?

D'Antoni: “We’ve worked a lot. Obviously, we’re in Las Vegas, so when you’re walking through your room you’re going to have a little gambling temptation, but it’s been a lot of long work, a lot of long hours.”

Suns.com: How much of an active role does Jerry Colangelo have at this point?

D'Antoni: “Very active. It starts with him. He does a heck of a job; he’s really energized and is on a mission. Jerry does a great job at whatever he does and has been in the process of everything we’ve been doing.”