A special surprise awaited the US team on Thursday: A pep talk with the coach Mike Krzysewski.
It seems that the words of “Coach K” worked again for the Americans.
John Jenkins scored 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting, and the United States had no problem crushing Uruguay 105-71 in the game of the Premundial.
Jenkins hit six of seven 3-pointers. And Krzyzewski appreciated the show from the side of the track.
“We knew when we came in and they talked to us that we had to perform well and play with energy,” Jenkins said.
Krzyzewski, who coached Duke for years but recently retired, led the United States to three consecutive gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics. His message was simple: Playing for the national team should bring pride.
33 – 13Points
This was the second quarter that passed in favor of the United States
“‘Coach K’ talked to the team five minutes before I did the pregame talk, too,” coach Jim Boylen said. “How was I supposed to speak next? … It was an honor. A big moment for all of us.”
The victory, combined with Puerto Rico’s victory over Brazil in another duel on Thursday, left the Americans on top of the tie.
The United States (6-1 in the tie) hit 3-pointers on four consecutive possessions in the second quarter and never looked back.
Stephen Batista y Luciano Perodi contributed 14 points each for Uruguay (4-3), which despite the defeat is still fighting for a World Cup ticket. The top three in each group, as well as the best team in fourth place, will advance to the World Cup.
The United States opened the day tied with Brazil in Group F. There are two groups of six teams in the American Region.
Perhaps Americans shouldn’t pack their bags yet. But they can think about what they will wear.
In addition to the United States, Group F includes Puerto Rico, Mexico, Uruguay and Colombia. The other group of America, the E, has Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Panama.
