The fact that this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup resides in the Philippines, Erik Spoelstra takes a major win as he lands in the country with the United States’ men’s program.
“This has been a dream of mine to be a part of the USA Basketball program for so many years and then for the World Cup to be in Manila,” he said, via FIBA. “I have great pride in being an American, and I have great pride in my heritage, being Filipino as well.
“I’m just really excited that the entire program will be able to see the enthusiasm, the spirit and fan base for the game in Manila.”
The 2023 World Cup serves as a significant channel for Spoelstra to trace his Filipino roots once again. While he is American born and raised, he still acknowledges with all his heart his Pinoy heritage in courtesy of his mother, Elisa Celino.
Spoelstra was recruited by head coach Steve Kerr to be a member of his coaching staff in the Americans’ campaign for the FIBA Championships. Despite another lengthy season with the Miami Heat, he can’t turn down the offer given the impending experience of being back to the Philippines once again and seize the outpouring support of the basketball-crazed nation.
“It’s a very surreal experience,” he said.
“I think it’ll be really cool for everybody to see how passionate the fan base is for basketball in general. I think our group is going to be treated really well.
“Of course, I have family there. I’ll try to steer some of the group and the players to try some Filipino cuisine. My uncle Tony makes a great Lumpia so maybe I’ll have the guys try that.”
While he looks forward to reconnecting with his proud Filipino relatives, Spoelstra still understands the main duty he has to fulfill upon arriving in Manila alongside the American squad for the World Cup.
Back in the 2019 World Championships in China, the United States suffered from its most devastating collapse at the international event by just etching a Top-7 finish – failing to advance through the Semifinal round.
Fast forward in 2023, the U.S. are aiming to regain their lost glory with a much younger, yet promising slotmen. For his part, Spoelstra’s renowned tactics and player relationship building are being pegged as crucial points in America’s quest for gold.
“This is an absolute blessing,” Spoelstra said. “First of all, it’s been an absolute honor for all of us to be a part of the USA Basketball program. It’s been a dream for so many of us. And the coaching staff in particular with Steve (Kerr) and Ty (Lue) and Mark Few, it’s an amazing experience.
“I have such deep respect for each of them. I’m so grateful that Steve granted us the opportunity to be a part of the program and take on this world challenge to bring back the gold.”
