It's often said to think twice and speak once, but Coach Mike Krzyzewski didn't seem to follow the rule.

 

The Duke Blue Devil coach said after coaching the gold-medal winning USA men's team in London that he wouldn't return to the national program.

 

For nearly eight months, he took what seemed like a staunch stand. He reaffirmed his decision in an interview in February that after coaching the team to gold in both 2008 and 2012, his decision was firm. 

 

Apparently, the firm is melting into a maybe.

 

That "No" has turned into a "There’s a chance."

 

It's probably because of Krzyzewski's impressive 62-1 record that the competitive urge is growing again. Team chairman Jerry Colangelo, patient as ever and seemingly all-knowing right now, said he'd never even reached out to other candidates.

 

Clearly, Coach K has altered the perception of USA Baskeball as an afterthought for top pros. Under his watchful eye, he has somehow goaded the NBA's best players to participate in the Olympic Games and the interim international competitions that lead up to it. The addition of the best players in the world has made the Games better for basketball fans worldwide.

 

So it's time for America's best hoopsters to pull out their passports and rack up a few frequent flier miles. The defending gold medalists are still in it to win it, and their top taskmaster is warming to yet another challenge.