Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown isn't letting the postponement of the Olympics slow him down.
Despite the fact that the Summer Olympics won't take place until 2021, the Nigerian men's basketball team head coach is staying on top of things. According to the Warriors' top assistant, he is staying in touch with his players despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:
“I just basically told them, ‘Hey, this is where we are with everything now that the Olympics have been postponed.’ Just touching base with everyone about themselves, their families and that they are safe,” Brown said. “And to reach out if you have any questions and concerns. But this is where we sit right now, and I will continue to send texts and calls as time goes on.”
The former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers head coach also believe the postponement is an advantage.
“To have another year to grasp, not only the talent level of the team, but the direction the team needs to go and making sure we are able to put the best Nigerian team out there, it’s a welcomed advantage to have a little bit more time for a new guy like myself.”
The Nigerian team will feature some notable players in the 2021 Olympics. Their roster includes the likes of Al-Farouq Aminu, Josh Okogie and Chimezie Metu. However, this remains a young national team. The Nigerian team has appeared at the summer Olympics just twice. They finished 10th overall in 2012 and 11th in 2016.
Brown will be tasked with leading the African country to a better result when the Olympics finally take place next year. Hopefully, the extra year gives the Warriors' veteran coach — and his team — an advantage in 2021.