2022-02-23
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FILE – Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Erik Spoelstra knows all too well how passionate Filipinos are about basketball.
And that’s something the Filipino-American NBA head coach would like to share with the rest of the world, especially Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
“We’re going there and that’s one of the first things I heard and talked about in this next segment for Team USA. We’re going to be there,” he said during his media appearance at NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. Ohio. “So I got goosebumps when I found out the world championships were coming up. It will be fun.”
“I am really grateful that everyone can see Manila and the excitement of basketball. The fan base there is as good as anywhere in the world and I’m happy for everyone to see it,” added Spoelstra, who coached Durant in the All-Star Game.
Spoelstra will make the USA team, assuming it qualifies, for the World Cup after being named one of the assistant coaches on the 2022-24 USA men’s national basketball team coaching staff.
The Philippines is co-hosting the World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.
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