Mason Plumlee, Kyrie Irving talk about the comforts of playing for Coach K

Mason Plumlee played four years, winning a championship with Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Kyrie Irving played 11 games in an injury-shortened season for the Duke legend. Now, the two Dukies are reunited with the man who recruited and nurtured them .... and it feels good.

"There’s so much similarity and familiarity with knowing what Coach wants and what he’s looking for," Plumlee told the Raleigh News & Observer.. "Just hearing him in meetings and breaking down film, it’s fun to be a part of again because he’s the best at that. It’s great to be back playing for him and I’m really enjoying it."

"Just to play for my coach again and to play for a gold medal, this is our chance to rekindle the flame and go after something bigger than ourselves," Irving said.

Krzyzewski, joked he'll wind up coaching Irving more in the World Cup that he did at Duke, liked what he saw in both of them.  Picking Plumlee, the only non NBA starter on the roster, controversial, and Plumlee admitting the connection he had with his coach has helped him make an easier adjustment to the international game.

Plumlee also said that he had his eye on the national team roster even when playing for the practice squad, USA Select. "My biggest thing was to go out there and gain the coaches’ trust," Plumlee said. "Just be aggressive and show that I could contribute."

• Bilbao, Spain: Former teammates go from Duke to the NBA and beyond - Chris Kudialis - Raleigh News & Observer