USA starting point guard Kyrie Irving is ready to play in their 2014 FIBA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico on Saturday at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain. News also reveal that Derrick Rose is in "great condition."
Irving suffered a scary fall during the final minutes of their 95-71 victory over Ukraine on Thursday and went out of the playing court grimacing in pain while holding onto his back.
In an interview following a practice on Friday, USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Irving was cleared to play against Mexico.
The longtime coach said that the Cleveland Cavaliers guard, who averaged 9.8 points to go along with 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds during the group stage, experienced soreness, but was able to shake it off during their team workout.
"He went through the whole workout," Krzyzewski said of Irving via ESPN. "He was a little bit sore to begin with, but he worked his soreness out. He's ready to go."
Krzyzewski, who is looking to lead USA to a successful FIBA World Cup title defense, also insisted that Derrick Rose, is also feeling healthy despite having increased workloads in the tournament.
The 67-year-old coach told reporters that they should stop worrying about Rose's condition and stop asking the Chicago Bulls superstar about his health. Instead, Krzyzewski appealed to the media to focus on Rose's performance on the hardcourt.
"I think at some time everyone should stop asking about him physically and just say, 'How's your game? You think you're gonna win? How 'bout that pass?'" Krzyzewski said.
"Sometimes, although it's nice when people say, 'how do you feel?' When that's the only thing they say, then you say, 'C'mon, man, let's have a more in-depth conversation.' And I think he's ready for that," he added.
Rose, who is working his way back from a second major knee injury, averaged 5.4 points and 2.4 assists as Irving's backup in their first five FIBA World Cup games.
