Filipino-American coach Eric Spoelstra is pleased that his inaugural experience as a member of the United States men’s basketball team coaching staff is taking place in Manila, one of the co-hosts of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
According to the head coach of the Miami Heat, he eagerly anticipates the Team USA players witnessing the passionate nature of Filipino basketball fans as they commence their group stage matches at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“This has been a dream of mine to be a part of the USA Basketball program for so many years and then for the World Cup to be in Manila,” Spoelstra said in an interview posted on the FIBA website on Tuesday.
“I have great pride in being an American, and I have great pride in my heritage, being Filipino as well,” he added. “I’m just really excited that the entire program will be able to see the enthusiasm, spirit, and fan base for the game in Manila.”
Spoelstra, whose mother Elisa Celino hails from San Pablo in Laguna, expressed his desire for the Team USA players to immerse themselves in the local culture and, if feasible, savor some Filipino cuisine during their time in the country.
“I think it’ll be really cool for everybody to see how passionate the fan base is for basketball in general. I think our group is going to be treated really well,” the Filipino-American coach said.
“Of course, I have family there. I’ll try to steer some of the group and the players to try some Filipino cuisine. My uncle Tony makes a great Lumpia, so maybe I’ll have the guys try that,” he added.
Team USA will open their group stage campaign on Saturday night, August 26, against New Zealand (8 p.m.), before facing Greece on August 28 (8:30 p.m.) and Jordan on August 30 (4:45 p.m.).
