LONDON (AP) — U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski expects the road to gold to be much bumpier for the men's Olympic basketball team than four years ago in Beijing.

Although heavily favored to win the 12-nation tournament, the superstar-studded Americans will face a talented tournament field loaded with NBA players.

On Sunday, the U.S. opens pool play against France, a squad led by speedy San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, who nearly missed the London Games because of a serious eye injury. The French roster includes five other NBA players.

Krzyzewski says there are more teams "that feel they have a chance to win the gold medal" than in China. He says France will be a tough matchup at any time but especially in the opener.