Even if they have few representatives in the NBA, the Philippines have a big basketball culture. A formidable base on which Erik Spoelstra, whose mother is from the province of Laguna, intends to rely on in order to continue the development of his favorite sport on this territory made up of more than 7,000 islands.
Present at the All-Star Game as coach of Team Durant, the Heat strategist took advantage of this parenthesis in the season to affirm his desire to set up a project around basketball in the Philippines, by associating Jalen Green, whose part of the family is also from there (his father and his grandmother).
“I think it’s pretty cool. I wanted to make sure I ran into him at some point this weekend to tell him Mabuhay (“Welcome” in Filipino) and because I want to relaunch something in the Philippines”, did he declare during his press briefing in Cleveland. “I would love for him to be involved in it. Like all the other players, we can go out there and just have fun.”
Erik Spoelstra had already participated in the “NBA Fit” program when it took over the archipelago in 2011. The Heat coach also mentioned Filipino international Jordan Clarkson, and the presence of Dwyane Wade as a potential guest. ” We will find a solution “he added.
Second choice of the last draft, Jalen Green is posting 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, making him a potential major player for the Rockets in the future, even if he will have to improve his address (39% of which 31% at 3-pts). “He has an incredible future ahead of him”concluded Erik Spoelstra about the back.
