Loving ‘Coach Spo’

It was in one of a local channel’s episode of NBA Action when he drew my attention. It was a lot like love at first sight, in the littlest way possible.

And my instincts did not fail me, Erik Spoelstra is Filipino—much credit to his inviting resemblance to Erik Menk, I was right.



Despite the Heat bowing down to the Celtics in the Playoffs, my interest towards him did not wane. This thing, a recent proof of idolatry of that sort.

A Dutch-Irish-Filipino descendant, son to Former NBA Executive Jon Spoelstra and Filipina mom Elisa Celino, Erik was an outstanding cager in Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, setting career-best records in assists, 3-pointers and field goal percentage.  He was starting point guard for the University of Portland Pilots from 1988 to 1992 where he was named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. He went on to coach Herten Ruhr Devils, a German professional basketball team later on.

Spoelstra joined the Miami Heat in 1995 and was assigned to various duties including scouting and training. He has worked alongside NBA legend Pat Riley, who often then reminded him to ‘get ready’, somewhat preparing him for the head coach position in the occurrence of his exit. Spoelstra, the youngest head coach in NBA history is slowly making his own mark in the league. Having been flexing muscles with Dwayne Wade and the rest of the Heat, Spoelstra is showing much confidence in his crew finding strength in his schooling persistence.

And I could not love him more as I read over his interview in Filipinas Magazine and I quote, “There is one thing that I am definitely interested in doing in the future, and that is helping develop basketball in the Philippines. I have been talking recently with the NBA about me putting together basketball clinics in my mother’s home country, hopefully in one of these next couple of seasons. It will be a wonderful chance to see some of my family over there and reconnect with my roots.” Oh.



I just think that’s so nice of him to still recognize his roots. The idea of him sharing his expertise back here sounds promising. I am crossing my fingers for that to happen some time soon.

I’m pretty sure that’s a sight to see even if you are a basketball junkie or not.

After all, the Celtics just broomed them out of contention.

Flying back home here might just be the next best thing.