Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari has been chosen to try and lead the Dominican National Team in their efforts to try and qualify for the 2012 Olympics. The Dominicans have never qualified for the Olympics in their history.

This isn’t the first time that an American coach has been selected to lead a foreign country. Nolan Richardson once tried with Mexico and Dell Harris led China to an eighth place finish in the 2004 Olympics. Rick Pitino was suppose to coach Puerto Rico this year, but he cited scheduling conflicts for backing out of that gig. I’m surprised Coach Cal had the free time, but then again his entire team left for the NBA so I guess it makes sense

The Dominican team actually has some talent on it. NBA players Francisco Garcia, Al Horford, and Charlie Villanueva will lead a team with other college players as well.

To bad Calipari can’t make guys Dominican for one year, then let them leave.