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RIO DE JANEIRO -- A decade-plus of persistent worry finally ends Sunday night for Michael William Krzyzewski.Seriously.The coach who lugs a 75-game winning streak into the gold-medal mens basketball game of these Rio Olympics insists that he most certainly does fret and sweat about every single one of these outings.Even if only eight of those 75 Ws were decided by single digits.I worry all the time, believe me, Krzyzewski says. Its part of being a coach ... to worry. Worry does not mean not have confidence. Worry is making sure we keep moving along and giving positive energy to one another and that no one gets hurt. That type of thing.Worry means that you think the other guys good. If youre not worried, youre an idiot. If you dont think you can be beat, then youre not a real smart guy.Rest assured that no one in the USA Basketball traveling party believes with greater conviction than Coach K that the Americans are vulnerable in Sunday afternoons reunion with Serbia, which uncorked their deepest anxiety reserves as recently as nine days ago by scoring 91 points in a 40-minute game and nearly dragging the tournaments heavy favorites to overtime.Krzyzewski had spent a full two weeks before landing in Brazil trying to convince hard-headed media types and yawning fans that this competition would be no cruise for Team USA, no matter how much youve heard about the docked ocean liner that houses the Americans here.Few listened.We were telling you before the three [close] games we could be beat; now youre telling us we could be beat, Krzyzewski said with a smile the other day, calmly?fielding questions that dripped with their own concern from press pests (like me) who didnt heed his warnings.Now we all know.Reporters have likewise been trying -- and failing -- for weeks to get Krzyzewski to engage them in some semblance of a substantive rewind through these past 11 years of rebounding alongside USAB chairman and close friend Jerry Colangelo.To reflect on the journey thats taken the red, white and blue from finishes of sixth, third and third in three successive major international competitions -- 2002 Worlds, 2004 Olympics, 2006 Worlds -- back to untouchable again.To get a sense of how much the ride to restoring national pride on hardwood has meant to him.To assist with assessing his USAB legacy.I dont see a legacy, Krzyzewski will say.Or: I dont do that. I never do that.Or: Were going someplace I dont want to think about right now. This cant be about, This is my last time. Carmelo [Anthony] cant think of it as his chance to win a third gold medal. There will be time for reflection. But not now.Krzyzewski will say, no matter how creative the queries get, that hes not in a reflective mood.The reflecting is thus left to others, until Team USA actually wins this thing and takes off on Sunday nights return flight to the States, but thats OK.Reached this week by ESPN.com, freshly retired Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was eager to revisit the history Krzyzewski shuns, harking back to the Redeem Team in 2008 in Beijing that -- with Kobe making his national-team debut -- brought the bronze-ing to a halt.Coach K brought the pride of being an American back to the team, Bryant told me.He brought in army vets and generals to speak with us and share their stories. He helped us see that we, as athletes, are an inspiration to the men and women that protect the freedoms we enjoy. That is the biggest impact.The gold medal now meant so much more. When we won [in Beijing], I envisioned our troops abroad celebrating. I did it for them. Thats the perspective Coach K brought. He made it not about us but about the U.S.The emotional payoff was naturally immense for Krzyzewski, former West Point cadet, fiercely patriotic military man.And it came with a bonus for the basketball lifer. The chance to coach Kobe. To coach LeBron James. To bond as he does now with Kevin Durant, with the serious Paul George or with the playful DeAndre Jordan. To rekindle his relationship with a former Duke guard named?Kyrie Irving, who made it onto the floor for only 11 games in Durham before matriculating to the pros.Were very grateful that weve had this opportunity, said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, Krzyzewskis longtime rival from the college ranks and trusty assistant with Team USA.I can share that we feel very fortunate. Hes very fortunate to have been at Duke for so long; Im very fortunate to have been at Syracuse for so long. And weve been very fortunate together to be a part of this team with these players.Of course, as Boeheim smartly points out, its not exactly accurate to parrot the oft-made claim that this job allowed Krzyzewski, after he turned down the chance to coach Kobes Lakers in the summer of 2004, to scratch the proverbial NBA coaching itch without ever leaving Duke.This is really different than the NBA, Boeheim says. This is the best.This is getting the NBA players without agents, without anybody else telling them what they should do, with them willing to do exactly what we have to do to win. So its really not coaching in the NBA. Its not even close. We know that. This is fantasy world.Yet this is also a world where Krzyzewski, with no affiliation to any NBA team, had the license to transform himself from the man mocked for not knowing all the names of the Greek players who torched Team USA at the 2006 Worlds in Japan to a year-round mentor/sounding board/life coach to some of the biggest names in the game.If George needed a pick-me-up on the long road back from a gruesome leg fracture -- or when Durant was in the market for some knowing counsel on how to deal with the vitriolic reaction to his decision to join the Golden State Warriors in free agency -- Krzyzewski was there to call or text.Hes more of like a father-figure-slash-mentor than hes a coach, Durant said. On top of being a coach, when you have that combination, that makes for just an incredible leader.University of Texas alumnus Durant and former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins got quite a chuckle at practice earlier this week when asked to share what they thought of Krzyzewski when they were still in college.I hate to say it [as a Kentucky guy], Cousins offered, but I really have enjoyed playin for K.Said Durant: We were taught not to like Duke. I grew up in Maryland, so they used to always play each other, so we hated Duke. And I didnt think that was my style of play, just from hearing from everybody [what Krzyzewski] was like.But once I got to play [for] him, I was like, Wow, I should have looked at Duke a little bit more than I did. ... He literally told me one time, I think it was 2010 [at the Worlds in Turkey], he was like, Dont pass the ball. And I was like, All right, cool, thats the way I want to play.He wants you to go out and be who you are, Durant concluded.Said Irving in a recent SportsCenter sit-down with ESPNs Hannah Storm: What makes Coach K one of the best ever at what he does, not only as a coach but as a person, he just respects your individuality. He allows you to create what you want to create in a space that is the best fit not only for yourself but for the team.The chance to make up for lost time with Kyrie is just one of the many reasons Krzyzewski counts this as one of the most enjoyable summers of his USAB run, despite the recent rash of close games to really mess with his Worry Meter.When the group convened for the first time in Las Vegas in mid-July, it gave him the first opportunity of his career to actually have a substantive conversation with Team USA successor-in-waiting Gregg Popovich. Until Vegas, K and Pop had never been in the same place long enough to exchange much more than a handshake.A string of all-nighter dinners inevitably ensued, where Krzyzewski and his Team USA heir, both with such strong military backgrounds, quickly realized how much they had in common.News conferences have been another source of amusement. Krzyzewski takes his role of American basketball diplomat quite seriously, patiently answering whatever comes at him in the most respectful of tones, but he also likes to show us his open-mic side whenever the chance presents itself.One example: After the recent nail-biter with Australia, which found Team USA trailing by five points at halftime, Krzyzewski relished the opportunity to go back and forth with a journalist from Poland.Youre the first one to pronounce my name right, Krzyzewski quipped. I cant even pronounce my name right.What he insists he has enjoyed most, though, is the competition.As he explained after those three straight scares against Australia, Serbia and France, Krzyzewski would worry if we just won by 30 points the last three games. So it was no trouble to just embrace the requisite fretting and sweating when the blowouts failed to materialize, after which he savored the resourcefulness his much-critiqued players -- 10 first-time Olympians on a 12-man roster -- repeatedly mustered to find a way to stay unbeaten at 7-0.Satisfying is the word Krzyzewski has used after more than one narrow victory in Rio, with further frequent references to what hes been calling the best Olympics [field] that Ive been a part of.More talented than the other two Olympics that weve been in, Krzyzewski said, because more countries are really good.The Serbs are a prime example. With only one NBA player -- Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic -- theyve nonetheless played the United States tougher than anyone here and just thumped the aforementioned Aussies by 21 points in Friday nights semifinals.Theyve grown up a lot in two years, in the words of veteran center Miroslav Raduljica, since Serbia absorbed a 37-point pounding from Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World Cup final in Spain.So lets see.Lets see what happens in the rematch, as well as what Krzyzewski does at the buzzer if he can sign off with gold medal No. 3.His triumphant leap on the sideline in the waning moments of the gold-medal game in 2012, as victory over the Spaniards finally came into view in what originally had been billed as his farewell to this job, was one of the iconic snapshots of the London Games.At age 69 now, coming off knee, hernia and ankle surgery just since Dukes season ended, Krzyzewski was asked the other day what sort of encore he might have in store.If we win, he said, Im sure Ill jump around a little bit.Makes sense.When it comes to his country, hell be worry-free at last. nike vapormax προς πώληση . 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We know any college football game is better than no college football game, but some of the matchups are more compelling than others, whether thats based on star power, matchup, swirling controversy, coaching intrigue or disappointment.Heres a look at some games that stand out for one reason or another.Most entertaining bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl semifinal is the most compelling game of the postseason. These two talent-laden teams are no strangers to the College Football Playoff, and no one will call it a gimme for Alabama in the final, if the unbeaten Crimson Tide take care of business against two-touchdown underdog Washington in the other semifinal. These teams -- and their distinguished coaches -- have the chops to shock the seemingly unstoppable Crimson Tide.Clemson starts with QB Deshaun Watson, and Ohio State counters with J.T. Barrett. Both surround their QBs with outstanding skill players, such as Buckeyes RB/WR Curtis Samuel and Clemson WR Mike Williams. Both have elite defenses. Both score a lot of points. Its easy to see this one being uncertain deep into the fourth quarter.Least entertaining bowl: First, there are no bad bowl games. Its college football, which is always a good thing. But you could make a case that Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl might not be appointment television for everyone.If we sound like were being more soft than snarky, consider that the Eagles are playing in their first bowl game since 1987 and ODU is playing in its first bowl game ... ever.By the way, there are a lot worse things than chilling in the Bahamas with a plate of fried chicken and dirty rice from Popeyes.Best coaching matchup: No offense to Washington, but Las Vegas sees the showdown with top-ranked Alabama, the unbeaten defending national champion, in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl CFP semifinal as a mismatch. The Crimson Tide are favored by 14 points, the largest margin in the CFPs brief history.The Tide are playing for a place in history -- as in, to be ranked among the all-time greatest teams. They have won 25 games in a row overall and 15 consecutive games against ranked foes, which is tied for the second-longest streak by any team since the AP poll debuted in 1936. Coach Nick Saban, already often rated the greatest college football coach in history, is going for his sixth national championship.Washington went 7-6 last season and was 0-12 in 2008. Yet there is one element that should give observers pause: Huskies coach Chris Petersen. At Boise State, his slingshot was pretty darn dangerous in David versus Goliath matchups, most notably the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. His ability to outflank, outfox and schematically dissect foes is notorious and celebrated, particularly with extra preparation time. Of course, the Sooners were favored by only 7 1/2. Its going to take more than a few trick plays and fortunate ball bounces to outduel Saban and the monstrously talented Tide.Best coaching matchup II: Wisconsin is going to be a heavy favorite against Western Michigan, but know that Badgers coach Paul Chryst is going to be a 10,000-word underdog to Broncos coach P.J. Fleck in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Chryst, 51, is friendly but laconic, a highly respected guy who doesnt seek the spotlight and didnt get a head-coaching opportunity until his late 40s. Fleck is just 36, and when he was hired in 2012, he was the youngest head coach in FBS and the first to own a birthdate in the 1980s.Fleck, a hot Power 5 coaching candidate, oozes charisma. Hes prone to dancing and frenetic speeches concluding with his trademark Row the boat! Chryst will lose the news conferences decisively. But know this about both men: They are excellent coaches. Chryst might have an NFL future, and rumors are already hot about Flecks potential landing spots.Something To Prove Bowl: No. 9 USC and No. 5 Penn State both had cases to be viewed among the four best teams in the nation by seasons end, particularly the Nittany Lions. As such, their meeting in the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual is a chance to make a statement. Penn State is the official Big Ten champion -- not second-ranked CFP team Ohio State, which the Nittany Lions beat. USC beat both teams that played in the Pac-12 championship game (No. 10 Colorado and No. 4 Washington). Last year, Stanford blasted Iowa in the Rose Bowl and earned a final No. 3 ranking. Its possible that the winner here will do the same.Anemia Bowl: Maryland annd Boston College meet in the Quick Lane Bowl the day after Christmas, but dont expect a lot of flashy offense after the holiday feast.dddddddddddd The Turtles rank 92nd in the country, with 25.4 points per game. The Golden Eagles rank 123rd, with 19.1.Disappointment Bowl: Nebraska and Tennessee were both ranked in the top-10 this season, but they will meet in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl as teams down in the dumps. Nebraska started 7-0 but lost three of its final five games. Tennessee started 5-0 but lost four of seven, including a season-ending humiliation at Vanderbilt.Just Happy To Be Here Bowl: Speaking of Vanderbilt, it will play NC State in the Camping World Independence Bowl, the Commodores first bowl appearance since 2013. After losing at Kentucky, Vandy was 2-4 and coach Derek Masons seat was pretty hot. But the Commodores rallied and now will play in the programs eighth bowl game ever. As for NC State, its playing in a bowl game despite at one point losing five of six games.By Land Or By Sea Bowl: Louisiana Tech ranks third in the nation with 359.8 yards passing per game behind QB Ryan Higgins. Navy, with no ocean options in college football, ranks third in the nation with 327.5 rushing yards per game, thanks to its option attack led by QB Will Worth. These two teams meet in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. You could view it as a test of which fighting style is better.Job Interview Bowl: Houstons season seemingly was all about now-former coach Tom Herman and his being coveted by every rich-but-struggling Power 5 program until Texas swooped in and signed him. Yet the Cougars underrated defense under coordinator Todd Orlando also should have been a story, and Orlando can work his way into the narrative in the Las Vegas Bowl Presented by Geico against San Diego State.Orlando is serving as interim coach and will interview to replace Herman as head coach. He could make a big statement with a win, particularly if he finds a way to stop Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey, who just became the FBS No. 2 all-time rusher. Stopping Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Dede Westbrook and Pumphrey all in one season would make for a pretty killer résumé.Recruiting Bitterness Bowl: One wonders how collegial things might be between Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher in the Capital One Orange Bowl. First, Fisher was one of the harshest critics of satellite camps over the summer, and Harbaugh loves him some satellite camps in ACC and SEC territories.Further, Michigan beat Florida State for freshman linebacker Devin Bush Jr.?in recruiting the past February, which is notable because Devin Bush Sr. was a former FSU star. Oh, then Harbaugh hired Senior to a position as a defensive analyst a couple weeks after signing day. It also might be worth noting that Senior was head coach at state power Flanagan (Florida) High School, where more than a handful of top recruiting targets play.Best Offense vs. Defense Bowl: In our annual enjoyment of the irresistible force vs. immovable object postseason matchup, we offer up Louisville taking on LSU in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Louisville leads the nation with 45.3 points per game. LSUs defense ranks sixth, yielding just 16.4 points per game.When these teams play Dec. 31, its likely that Cardinals QB Lamar Jackson will have won the Heisman Trophy. He has accounted for 51 touchdowns this year (21 rushing and 30 passing) and ranks ninth in the nation in rushing (128.2 yards per game) and 17th in passing (282.5 yards per game). So, yeah, this is LSUs defense, led by new full-time head coach Ed Orgeron and his coordinator, Dave Aranda, vs. Jackson. That alone is reason to watch this intriguing SEC-ACC battle.Underhyped Stars Bowl: Remember Stanford all-purpose terror Christian McCaffrey? How well do you know North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky? Well, these two players, who have been mostly off the national radar this season for various reasons, will meet in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. McCaffrey, the Heisman Trophy runner-up last year, finished fourth in the nation in rushing (145.7 yards per game) and No. 1 in all-purpose yards. Trubisky ranked fifth in the nation in total QBR and 15th in passing yards per game (289), as he hurled 28 touchdown passes with just four interceptions. He also rushed for 270 yards and five scores. He and McCaffrey both project as first-round NFL draft picks. ' ' '