Coach K says he is Committed to Team USA despite Knee Surgery

Coach Mike Krzyzewski says he is committed to coaching Team USA in the upcoming Rio Olympics amid his health problems.

"Immediately after the Duke basketball season is completed, I will undergo replacement surgery on my left knee," the Blue Devils coach Krzyzewski, 69, said.

"I have every intention of coaching the United States national team in Rio at the 2016 Olympics."

Krzyzewsk, widely known as Coach K, added that his doctors have already told him that he will recover in time for Brazil.

Depending on how well Duke, the defending NCAA champions, does in the tournament, their season could end anywhere from March 17 to April 4.

USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said, "I fully expect Coach K to lead the 2016 US Olympic team in Rio. I was aware that coach planned to have knee replacement surgery immediately after Duke's season was completed. But at no time have coach and I ever discussed him not coaching the USA national team this summer."

Colangelo had previously said that he was thinking about the "what ifs" in regards to Krzyzewski's health. Krzyzewski has been the coach for the national team since 2005. He led them to two Olympic Gold medals and back-to-back world championships.

Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs has already been announced as Coach K's replacement after the 2016 Olympics.

The Olympic Games begin on August 5.