On the morning of August 20, in the Olympic basketball quarterfinals, Team USA beat Australia, 116-85. Here's what USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the game:

Question: Talk about the game.

Mike Krzyzewski: It was an honor to play Brian’s (Goorjian) team. I thought they’ve been the most difficult team for us to defend. Their offense is so well-conceived for their personnel. The future is extremely bright (for Australia). In college, we are able to develop a program and I think what’s Brian has done is develop a great program with the Australian team. They’re a force to be reckoned with. We had to play really well in order to win. They caused us a lot of problems and I’m glad my Duke team doesn’t play St. Mary’s next year. (Patrick Mills) is a great guard. He’ll be an NBA guard and I’m very, very impressed and we’re ecstatic because we know we beat an outstanding team, who I think was playing their best basketball right now. So, it was a heck of a game for us.

Question: Can you talk about how LeBron has stepped up to be the leader of this team?

Mike Krzyzewski: I don’t think he’s the only leader. I think behind the scenes, Jason has been an outstanding leader and so has Kobe. But, LeBron’s personality comes up and that started, I thought, after we lost to Greece in 2006 and we played Argentina. He actually played point guard for us that game. That started the process and I’m sure a lot with Cleveland and also with our own national team last summer, he just emerged. I think he has great leadership potential, and I think that will make him a better player. Because if you’re a leader, you have to be doing all the things you’re telling people to do. I’m proud of him. I’m really pleased with where he’s at.

Question: Talk about Kobe’s performance tonight.

Mike Krzyzewski: He had a great performance and he came up when we needed it the most. right at the start of the second half … it was such a possession by possession game … we were lucky that Deron hit that shot right at the end of the first half. The first half was possession by possession and then all of sudden, we had five or six possessions where we had three’s and they were unable to score and you get a 20-something point lead in a game that was not a 20-point game … Such a close game … and it gave us separation. It caused us also to change our defense; we just tried to take away 3’s and with Bosh in there, we were able to do a little bit of that. But, Kobe helped give us that separation.

Question: Talk about Australia’s Patrick Mills.

Mike Krzyzewski: He played really well against the last game … really tape doesn’t do him justice. He looks good on tape … we should fast forward it … he really has great quickness. I love him defensively; I’m sure Brian does too. I’ve been a defensive coach my whole life and there aren’t very many people who stay with a guard – like right on him – when he has the ball – and if he’s beaten, he doesn’t retreat; he continues to play the play. He’s got to be an extremely tough-minded kid. As good as he is offensively, I think he’s got a chance to be a great defender. I think the kid has got a big time future, to be quite frank with you.

Question: Did you sense your guards are impressed with Mills?

Mike Krzyzewski: No question. He’s an impressive player. He’s got great quickness and great strength. What else can I say … he can shoot, he’s tough-minded … he’s so competitive. I mean the kid’s going to be an NBA player … there is no question about it. What a great thing to build your future on. What Brian’s saying, (Australia) has so many good young players. (Brad) Newley is good … he’s got such bounce to his game. And obviously (Andrew) Bogut is one of the better players in the NBA. They have a good young group to go with some crafty veterans. This is a very good Australian team. I feel like we beat a really good basketball team tonight. We had to play really well in order to do it.