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The Filipino-American NBA Head Coach has received the honor of leading Team USA.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was named head coach of the US men’s team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on Tuesday by USA Basketball.
American teams of NBA stars have won the past five Olympic gold medals, giving the US men 17 Olympic titles in all, as well as five FIBA World Cup titles.
Spoelstra was selected by US men’s national team director Grant Hill and approved by USA Basketball’s board of directors. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee must still approve his selection.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Spoelstra said. “Representing our country and leading world-class athletes to marquee competitions is one of the greatest privileges in sport. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball.”
Spoelstra, 54, was an assistant coach on last year’s Paris Olympic championship squad and an assistant to Steve Kerr on the US 2023 World Cup squad that finished fourth. He also coached a US Select squad in 2021 that trained alongside the US Olympic squad that won gold in Tokyo.
With the Heat, Spoelstra was an assistant coach on the 2006 NBA championship team, and as a head coach, he guided Miami to the 2012 and 2013 NBA titles.
In addition to the 2028 Olympics on home hardwood, Spoelstra will direct the US men at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha and at training camps and exhibitions ahead of both major global events.
“I’ve known Erik Spoelstra for the better part of two decades and have gotten to know him better throughout our time with USA Basketball,” Hill said.
“Spo is not only an outstanding coach, but a great colleague, friend, and father, all of which make him the perfect choice to continue the USA Basketball men’s national team coaching legacy through 2028.”
Next week, Spoelstra will open his 18th season as head coach of the Heat, making him the longest tenured NBA coach with one team. He has also played and coached in Germany before going to Miami in 1995 as a video coordinator.
“Erik Spoelstra is one of the most widely respected head coaches around the game,” USA Basketball chief executive officer Jim Tooley said.
“As the longest tenured coach with one team, along with his involvement with USA Basketball the past several years, he’s well-positioned to lead the USA men’s national team.”
© Agence France-Presse