Erik Spoelstra looking forward to revisit Filipino roots as he lands in World Cup

As their historic season comes to an end, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is now looking forward to being back in coaching once again for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup. 

In his exit interview for this 2022-23 campaign, Spoelstra stated that he is truly humbled to be part of Steve Kerr’s Team USA coaching staff, but also excited to feel the Philippine atmosphere once again.

“I am excited about it. That’s an absolute honor to be part of the USA program. I never thought I would even have any kind of chance to be a part of it,” he said.

“And for it to also be in Manila, [it] will be just an incredible opportunity and I’m really looking forward to seeing family over there.” 

The event is truly special for Spoelstra not just from the fact that this will become his international coaching debut, but it will also serve as a significant bridge for him to make a look back and reconnect with his Filipino heritage.

Spoelstra traces his humble Pinoy roots in the province of Laguna wherein his mother, Elisa Celino, have hailed.

He is the son of Jon Spoelstra, a sports marketing expert and a former league executive for the Buffalo Braves, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets.

Though Spoelstra spent the majority of his life living in the United States, he hasn’t forgotten his glowing identity as a Filipino. 

The future hall of famer coach notably visited the Philippines in 2012, nearly two months after the Heat won its first title under his watch. Spoelstra went on to pay a courtesy call with former president Noynoy Aquino and was warmingly welcomed by his relatives in his home province.

Next time around, Spoelstra appears vying to hit two birds in one stone this summer: to help the United States regain its glory in FIBA Basketball stage and introduce to the entire world the culture of the passionate Filipinos.

“[I am] also looking forward to everybody being able to see the culture of the Philippines for those two and a half weeks. It’s going to be a spectacular event,” he concluded.