Trail Blazers

The Portland Tribune, Aug 10, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

Nate McMillan

Nate McMillan says he has learned a few things about coaching during his time as a member of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s U.S. national team staff.

From a college coach?

“Basketball is basketball,” says McMillan, who will begin his third year as Blazer coach this fall. “It doesn’t make a difference whether it’s the NBA or college or high school, you can learn things from people who teach basketball. I’ve learned from Coach K and (fellow U.S. assistants) Mike D’Antoni and Jim Boeheim. You learn things from basketball people.”

What did he learn from Krzyzewski?

“Preparation,” McMillan says. “How you plan a practice and for a game, and the information your players receive before a game. He limits the amount he gives to players; I tend to give a little more.

“But I’ve found you have to be yourself as a coach. Trying to be something you’re not could get you in trouble. I’ve picked that up from Coach K.”

After the recent three-day training camp in Las Vegas, the national team is off until Monday. Then the coaches and players will reconvene in Vegas to prepare for the FIBA Americas Championship — the Olympic qualifying event — starting

Aug. 22.

Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are among the players who make up the practice squad that will scrimmage against the national team before the tournament.

— Kerry Eggers

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