The tournament will also serve as a homecoming for the Filipino-American mentor.
Team USA will come to the Philippines in August with the mission to reclaim the title as the undisputed kings of basketball. Several NBA stars have already committed to the cause, less than three months before the FIBA World Cup.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will serve as an assistant for Team USA head tactician Steve Kerr, and the Filipino-American knows that the trip to the eastern side of the world will be special.
“I’m really excited and humbled by the opportunity. I never thought I'd have that opportunity, coaching for USA basketball,” Coach Spo told One Sports’ Denise Tan in a one-on-one interview at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Steve Kerr and Ty Lue and all the amazing players that are going to be in that team.”
Coach Spo will hit two birds with one trip in August.
While the main goal is to win the FIBA World Cup, Spoelstra, whose mother Elisa Celino traces her roots to San Pablo, Laguna, will also take the time to reunite with some family members.
“And then the fact that the World Championship is going to be in Manila, like it is crazy, right?”
As early as now, Spo is already picturing parties with his uncle.
“Definitely join some team parties. I don't know how many there will be, but definitely at Uncle Tony’s at some point. We’re gonna be doing something and make everybody go out there in that long bus ride.”
Filipino fans are eagerly waiting for Spo and the world's best teams and players to converge in the Philippines for the FIBA World Cup this August.
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(With reports from Denise Tan, One Sports)
(GM)