Erik Spoelstra is part of the coaching staff of the United States team. Ahead of the FIBA World Cup, he spoke about his native Philippines.
Steve Kerr has assembled a quality coaching staff, and one of his assistants will be Erik Spoelstra. The Miami Heat coach spoke about the Philippines, where he has ancestral roots.
“While growing up, my primary goal was to play in the Philippines. That was my dream. My family sent me tapes of games, and I saw how crazy the fans are here.”
“I played overseas for two years, and I wanted to come here, but then Miami called me. When the NBA started building camps and holding clinics here, I wanted to be fully involved from the grassroots level” Spoelstra said.
The Miami Heat coach compared Anthony Edwards to Dwyane Wade.
“It’s hard to look at Anthony Edwards and not see Dwyane Wade in him. And I’m not a guy for comparisons. But the way he moves, the way he competes, the way he electrifies a crowd, that reminds me of No. 3. I have told Anthony that, and I feel like I’m going back in time.” told Spoelstra.
Italy will compete in Group C at the FIBA World Cup, facing opponents Greece, Jordan, and New Zealand.