Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra has seen first hand how passionate Filipinos are with regards to basketball.
The Filipino-American head coach has seen it every time he visits the country for clinics. During Filipino-themed NBA games, fans also drive in droves.
And the two-time NBA champion coach can’t wait for Team USA and the rest of the world to experience it come the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August.
“We are going out there and that’s one of the first things I heard about and talked about in this next segment for Team USA — we will be out there,” the Team USA assistant coach said during the 2022 NBA All-Star Media Day. “So, I got goosebumps when I found out that the World Championships will be there. It’ll be fun.
“I’m really grateful that everybody will be able to see Manila and the enthusiasm about basketball. The fanbase there is as good as anywhere in the world and I’m just glad that the entire world will see that.”
Besides his duties for the Heat, Spoelstra was also named to Steve Kerr’s Team USA staff.
It’s blessings upon blessings for the 51-year-old tactician who has been with the Heat organization since 1997.
In order to give back, Spoelstra is hooking up with Filipino-American players Jalen Green and Jordan Clarkson, planning an event for the country.
“I wanted to make sure that I bumped into him at some point this weekend and say ‘mabuhay’,” he quipped about bumping into Green. “I want to get something going again in the Philippines, would love him to be involved and as many players as we can get over there and have some fun.
“Jordan and even Dwyane [Wade] told me that he wants to get over there. We’ll figure this all out.”
Moreover, Spoelstra is seeing great things ahead for Green as he grows with Houston.
Photo from NBA
“What a great kid, amazing talent. He has an incredible future ahead of him.”
