Representing the United States in an international competition has always been the dream ofErik Spoelstra. But doing it in Manila, on his mother’s native land, is downright a double dream come true. FIBA has therefore done things well since the United States are playing their group matches in the Philippines, a country where basketball is not far from being a religion.
“I had dreamed of being part of the United States program for so many years and seeing the World Cup take place in Manila”confirms the Heat coach on the FIBA website. “I’m very proud of being an American, but also of my Filipino heritage. I am very happy that the whole group can see the enthusiasm and the spirit of the public of Manila”.
“These are memories that last a lifetime”
Even if Spoelstra assures that it is the players who will be welcomed as “rock stars”, he is very well known on the spot, and he will be in great demand. “It’s a truly surreal experience” he continues. “I think it will be really cool for everyone to see how passionate people are about basketball here. I think our group is going to be treated very well. »
For Spoelstra, this World Cup, and its preparation, are first and foremost human adventures. Players discover each other, and links are created to tend towards the same objective: gold. But the Miami coach reminds us that the group also creates memories that will remain engraved.
“Obviously we would like to come out of this event with a gold medal, but these are memories that last a lifetime. It’s an important commitment for all of us, the players, the staff, everyone involved behind the scenes of Team USA. It’s a six-week commitment, but in reality it’s longer than that. There’s all the preparation time beforehand, but really what we’re doing is creating memories together that I hope will last a lifetime. It’s something unique and different from the NBA basketball we’re used to. »
