Jim Boeheim expects Jerry Colangelo to opt for an NBA guy to succeed Mike Krzyzewski as coach of the U.S. national team.

“I think it could very likely be a pro coach,” Boeheim said. “Doc Rivers is a great coach, Gregg Popovich … they’re great coaches. There are more than enough great coaches in the NBA that could take over. It’s possible that it could be a college coach, but I think it’s more likely to be a pro coach.

“Whoever it is will have a tough assignment,” Boeheim continued. “They’ve got to go to Spain in two years for the World Championship, so that won’t be easy. But I’m sure we’ll still have players that want to play … and we’ll have a good coach and a good staff and it’ll be fun to watch someone else [guide the national team].”

Boeheim recently announced his decision to step down as a Team USA assistant.