New York, Jan 11 (IANS) The men’s and women’s basketball national teams shared the 2012 USA Basketball Team of the Year award with their undefeated performances at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The US men’s team won the gold medal for a second consecutive Olympics in London while the women captured an unprecedented fifth-straight Olympic gold medal, reports Xinhua.
“Winning a gold medal during an Olympic year, as far as USA Basketball is concerned, is the culmination of four years of hard work,” Geno Auriemma, head coach of the women’s team, said through a release of the USA Basketball.
“So, for our men’s and women’s teams to be the team of the year is a reflection on the work USA Basketball does with all our partners. Every day, there are people working to make sure those four years end with a gold medal. I want to pass along congratulations to Coach K. and the men’s team. They are just a bunch of super guys, and it was an honour and a thrill to be in London and watch them perform.”
Men’s coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “The chemistry we had and the camaraderie we had on this year’s Olympic team, although we’ve had really camaraderie in the past, just seemed to be at the highest level.”
“We are proud to be able to celebrate two remarkable teams that won medals in London with outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship,” said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball Executive Director and CEO.
“Both teams represented USA Basketball and our country with pride, class and dignity both on and off the court.”
