Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) — Erik Spoelstra returns to the country as part of Team USA in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The 52-year-old tactician shared he could not pass up on the opportunity to help Team USA at the same time reunite with his Filipino relatives.
The family of Spoelstra’s mother hails from San Pablo, Laguna.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to be a part of USA basketball program. And then once I found out that the world championships is going to be in Manila, I thought there’s no way, I’m in,” he told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk in an interview Wednesday.
“It’s an amazing opportunity. And then I’m going to be able to reconnect, see some family and friends, and also be able to compete at the highest level,” he added.
Asked on his thoughts about the Philippines’ national team, Spoelstra said the addition of NBA star guard and big man Kai Sotto will boost Gilas in the global showpiece as it seeks to improve its winless campaign from the last edition of the tournament.
“I think it’s going to be really exciting. The coaching is going to be phenomenal with coach Chot and coach Tim. Adding those two guys (Clarkson and Sotto) are definitely going to help. They put in the work and now it’s a matter of just doing it on the big stage,” he said.
Team USA, one of the World Cup title contenders, will begin its stint against New Zealand on Aug. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
