Official Erick Spoelstra thread

[bolabasket2]

Miami Heat's Pinoy coach inspires RP youth
RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga | 07/29/2009 12:18 PM



ZAMBOANGA CITY – In a bid to bridge the gap of cultural and traditional differences among the youth, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) spearheaded its first-ever sports clinic in the Philippines which set off in Zamboanga City Tuesday afternoon.

In line with the Sports United program of USAID, the group invited icons from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to inspire some 200 students and out-of-school youth in Zamboanga City.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra cordially accepted the invitation of the US government to teach the basics of basketball to Mindanao youth in a four-hour sports clinic.

Spoelstra believes that through basketball, they can bring people together and share the same interest in sports amidst the differences in culture and belief.

He also announced with pride that he is a true-blooded Filipino as his mother traces back her roots to Los Baños, Laguna.

Spoelstra was only 3 when his family migrated to America, where he grew up embracing the culture of the West.

But he said he has never forgotten the Philippines. As a matter of fact, he told the public that he is proud to be a Filipino.

NBA potential

Spoelstra added that he is planning to help Filipino basketball players in the youth sector, amateur or even in the professional level, to enhance, develop and nurture their skills in basketball.

According to the head coach of Miami Heat, there are a lot of Filipino basketball players who have the potential of making it in the NBA. But it is just a matter of time and nourishment to be able to compete in the US national league.

Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale also joined the group in promoting basketball to the Mindanao youth as a tool of bridging cultural diversity and bringing about peace among the people.

Former US Women NBA all-star Sue Wicks, currently the assistant coach of the St. Francis College Terriers, also took part in the basketball clinic.

Spoelstra, Fizdale and Wicks will continue teaching basketball basics on Wednesday, 2:15 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City, according to a news release from the US Embassy.

They will also hold two basketball clinics on Thursday, first at the La Salle Greenhills Gymnasium in Mandaluyong City at 8:15 a.m., and at the San Beda College Gymnasium in Mendiola, Manila at 2 p.m.

On Friday, they will be at the San Andres Gymnasium in Malate, Manila at 2 p.m. They will return to the San Andres Gymnasium on Saturday for a 9 a.m. basketball clinic.

as of 07/29/2009 12:49 PM

 

[c_d2]

Keep learning, Spoelstra tells RP coaches

By WAYLON GALVEZ
July 29, 2009, 5:52pm

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra on Wednesday encouraged local coaches to strive hard and keep on improving during a clinic attended by several PBA coaches at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 39-year-old Spoelstra, the first American-Filipino to coach an NBA team, shared his ups and downs in his first season as the Heat coach but was happy he made it to the playoffs – thanks to the efforts of superstar Dwayne Wade.

“Coaching in the NBA is a challenge,” Spoelstra said as he conducted a clinic to 80 pro and amateur coaches. “It’s a six-month, 82-game season and we play almost four days a week. The practices have to be really efficient.”

“You (as coach) have to be physically fit, strengthen your body,” added Spoelstra.

His clinic is part of the United States (US) Department of States’ Sports Envoy Program. He is accompanied
Heat assistant coach David Fizdale and former WNBA all-star Sue Wicks.

Among the PBA coaches who were present in the clinic were Chot Reyes of Philippine Cup champion Talk ’N Text, Siot Tanquingcen of Fiesta Cup titlist San Miguel Beer, Alaska’s Tim Cone, Ryan Gregorio of Purefoods, Coca-Cola’s Kennth Duremdes, Rain or Shine’s Caloy Garcia, and Sta. Lucia’s Boyet Fernandez.

Also present were Norman Black of UAAP champion Ateneo, Smart-Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman, as well as Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines’ Chito Narvasa and Alfrancis Chua.

“Obviously this is very important. He’s a great motivation for us coaches because he’s half Filipino,” Gregorio said. “We look up to him as coach because he’s in the big league. I hope to learn from him, some ideas, how to attack the game.”

“I’m sure I can learn a lot of things from him because he’s been tagged as one of the better coaches in terms of preparation and motivating players, in bringing out the best to his players,” he added.

Chua said that BCAP is fully supporting the clinic, saying: “Malaking bagay, we can relate because he’s half Pinoy. Actually that’s why we are here, we’re supporting a Filipino guy who is coaching in the NBA. Malaking bagay ang mabibigay n’ya dito lalo sa mga batang coaches.”

As for Tanquingcen and Reyes, both are looking forward to the preparation Spoelstra is doing to prepare the Heat.

 

[c_d2]

Miami coach regrets not playing in PBA

By Joaquin Henson
Updated July 30, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said yesterday his biggest regret in life is not playing in the PBA – which he would’ve done if only the opportunity of working with the Heat as a video coordinator didn’t come in 1995, ending his playing career at the age of 25.

Spoelstra, 38, is in town to conduct clinics for coaches, players and underprivileged kids until Saturday. He flew in Monday with Miami assistant coaches David Fizdale and Chad Kammemer and former WNBA star Sue Wicks.

After playing four years for the University of Portland, Spoelstra took a job as playing coach for TuS Herten in the German league for two years.

“I wanted to see Europe,” he said. “But Jim Kelly kept trying to convince me to play in the PBA. He used to send me tapes of PBA games. That’s how I got to know stars like Jaworski. I thought that after playing in Europe, I might be able to do the PBA. But when the offer from Miami came, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work in the NBA.”

Kelly was a former PBA coaching consultant and is now director of player personnel with the Toronto Raptors. He is married to a Filipina and often recommends Fil-Ams and imports to PBA coaches whom he remains in close touch with.

Spoelstra went from video coordinator to assistant coach to head coach in his career with the Heat. He said he owes his development to Heat president and former coach Pat Riley.

“At the start, Pat wasn’t my direct boss,” he said. “I went through other coaches like Stan Van Gundy. Eventually, he became my direct boss when he took over as head coach. I’ve had a great 14-year experience with Pat. My relationship with him now is more of mentorship. I confide in him. His office is just 25 feet away from mine so I’m often knocking on his door. He makes the ultimate decisions on player movements. We talk about whom we’d like to get, how we plan to rebuild. My coaching philosophy is based on his. I’m a believer of Pat’s philosophy and culture.”

Spoelstra said he couldn’t ask for a more inspiring team owner than Mickey Arison. “He wants us to be competitive, to pursue the championship,” he continued. “I think Miami is one of the best franchises in the NBA. It’s not only a great team to join because of Mickey’s commitment to pursue a championship but Miami is also a great place to live.”

Spoelstra said what sets Dwyane Wade apart from other NBA megastars is his sense of humility.

“He doesn’t even want to be compared with guys like Kobe, LeBron or Michael,” said Spoelstra. “He’s accomplished so much in his career at a young age and I think he had an MVP season last season. He doesn’t want to be treated special in our team. He wants to be treated just like everybody else, like one of the players.”

Spoelstra said with Jamario Moon’s transfer to Cleveland, he plans to shift Michael Beasley to cover at small forward.

“Michael will also play power forward as we’ve got guys like James Jones who can play small forward,” said Spoelstra.

With Beasley moving to No. 3, the opportunity will open up for Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to step in. The Heat is closing in to sign Odom, who once played with Wade at Miami, and may package a trade to acquire Boozer. Spoelstra declined to comment on the status of negotiations, saying only, “let’s see.”

Spoelstra said this coming season, there are high expectations for Miami and the competition will be more fierce in the Eastern Conference.

In Spoelstra’s coaching debut last year, he engineered the sixth biggest single-season turnaround in NBA history as Miami improved from 15-67 to 43-39.

“There’s always pressure in the NBA,” he said. “With teams like Cleveland, Orlando, Boston and Detroit retooling, I think you’ll notice a paradigm shift in terms of power from the West to the East. Every team is upgrading and we’ve got to be competitive.”

Spoelstra said when he was invited to come over, he felt nervous and excited. “We’ve been trying to make this happen for a while,” he noted. “It was very emotional for me as I haven’t been to the Philippines since I was three.”

Spoelstra said he’s proud of his Filipino heritage and all over the US, it’s a widely-known fact that he’s a Fil-Am. “I grew up living Filipino values, like sense of family and community and respect for elders,” he said. “I’m proud to be the first Filipino-American - and the first Asian-American for that matter - NBA head coach. I notice that in the San Francisco area where there is a large concentration of Filipino residents, media requests are higher than usual when the Heat comes to play.”

Spoelstra said during the week, he’s been with Filipino relatives, particularly his first cousin Hannah who is the daughter of his mother’s brother Tony. On Friday, he will be feted by relatives in a family get-together. A cousin who lives in Singapore planed in for the celebration.

Spoelstra said in his clinic with PBA coaches and players at the Ynares Center yesterday, he shared his experiences in the NBA and tips on how to succeed in basketball. With underprivileged kids in Zamboanga City last Tuesday, he was inspired by their warm reception and spoke about the values of discipline, teamwork and working together for a common goal.

 

[durden_tyler2]

Maybe he could bring a player from Miami Heat up for naturalization?

Joel Anthony, 6'9 245 lbs.

Come on, man. If we are going to dream... Let's shoot for the stars

How about this one:

Fine, fine he already suited up for Team USA which makes him ineligible. i'd settle for this guy:

 

[c_d2]

Spoelstra wants to help in grassroots
By WAYLON GALVEZ
July 30, 2009, 8:06pm

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Thursday said that he may not have the time to help the national team, but wants to get involved in grassroots development.

“In the future, more trips like this will happen. This will not be the last time. I want to involve myself in the grassroots,” said the 38-year-old Spoelstra who is here for a series of basketball and coaching clinics as part of the US Department of States’ Sports Envoy Program.

Much as he wanted to help, Spoelstra said his schedule with the Heat prevents him from committing his time with the national team.

Spoelstra attended the press briefing organized by the PBA and sponsored by PowerAde Sports Drink at the Kamayan Restaurant in EDSA.

Spoelstra and his group composed of Heat assistant David Fizdale and former WNBA all-star Sue Wicks met with PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios, PowerAde Team Pilipinas manager JB Baylon, RP team coach Yeng Guiao, as well as PBA mentors Tim Cone of Alaska, Leo Isaac of Barako Bull, Jong Uichico of Ginebra, and Boyet Fernandez of Sta. Lucia.

“Because of my background (as half-Filipino), I want to help out in any way that I can. One thing for sure, the NBA wants to get more involved in the Philippines. They have seen the passion now, and I think that’s great,” said Spoelstra.

The one-time University of Portland guard was impressed with the Filipinos’ passion for the sport.

“People here are passionate about it (basketball). I think the enthusiasm for the game, you can tell right away,” he said. “The coaches and players here want to learn, and that’s a good step.”

“I don’t know, maybe fire and competitiveness (of being a Filipino), and the desire to succeed. I’m very proud to be the first Filipino-American coach in any pro sports in the US,” Spoelstra said.

Spoelstra’s mother, the former Elisa Celino, hails from San Pablo Laguna, while his father Joe worked as an NBA executive for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets, the Buffalo Braves and the New Jersey Nets.

From being an assistant coach to Pat Riley (now the Heat’s President and General Manager) he was elevated to head coach last season to become the youngest among the current NBA coaches at 38 years old. He also worked as director of scouting for the Heat.

In his first season with the Heat, led by an extremely gifted athlete Dwayne Wade, Spoelstra steered Miami to the Playoffs. They were eliminated in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks.

Born in Portland, Oregon, he played for Jesuit High School in 1988, and for the University of Portland, averaging 9.2 points, 4.4, assists and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Pilots. He was named the 1992 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.

 

[c_d2]

Not height but teamwork, says Heat coach

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:50:00 07/30/2009

MANILA, Philippines - "It's not about being tall. It's about playing as a team."

With those sentences, Erik Spoelstra, the Filipino-American coach of the Miami Heat, may have lifted an entire nation's hopes of resurrecting basketball glory.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm and passion in these young players," said Spoelstra, the first Asian and currently the youngest head coach in the NBA. "There are a lot of talents here and they have the desire to get better."

The 38 year-old Spoelstra conducted a half-day clinic at La Salle Greenhills along with his assistant coach David Fizdale and former WNBA all-star Sue Wicks.

Varsity players from the Far Eastern University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, La Salle Greenhills, and National University joined the clinic.

Spoelstra was impressed at what he saw even after only a few hours of dribbling, passing and shooting drills, but he reserved his best compliment for one particular group.

"The ladies are sensational," said Spoelstra, describing the women players who joined the clinic.

Fizdale, meanwhile, kept on reminding the boys to concentrate and avoid turn-overs. "Don't mess around and focus," Spoelstra told the boys while teaching them how to execute fastbreak plays.

To inspire players further, Spoelstra cited Heat superstar Dwayne Wade as a prime example on how to stay focused.

"He doesn't drink alcohol. He's really a disciplined player," said Spoelstra, who built a strong reputation as head of the Heat's Individual Player Development Program after succeeding Pat Riley as head coach n 2008.

"He was a good mentor and what he taught me is hard work," Spoelstra said, referring to Riley who is now Miami's team manager.

"Focus and team work are important to succeed in basketball," added Spoelstra, whose Filipina mother Candida was originally from Los Banos, Laguna.

Spoelstra said he was three years old the last time he visited the Philippines. While he admits he cannot speak the Filipino language, he said he is interested to learn.

 

[nardy2]

Before the start of the Clinic held at San Beda, July 30:

 

[eitra2]

Before the start of the Clinic held at San Beda, July 30:

its that you sir nardy?

 

[nardy2]

its that you sir nardy?

yup

 

[sickcurtain_162]

yup

nice one sir nardy. You're one lucky guy there.

 

[rikhardur2]

yup

Hey I had a totally diferente idea of how you looked like These are the wonders of the Internet. Lucky you

 

[DRRC2]

Nice pic Nardy
Did you pinch him somewhere, it looks like he got a bit suprised
just kidding, no offense intended hahahaha

 

[donmar2]

Before the start of the Clinic held at San Beda, July 30:

Nice one Sir Nards

 

[reamily2]

Maybe he could bring a player from Miami Heat up for naturalization?

Joel Anthony, 6'9 245 lbs.

I think if I am not mistaken he already played for team canada or maybe his namesake and really he is 6'7 at most

 

[donmar2]

Miami coach regrets not playing in PBA

By Joaquin Henson
Updated July 30, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said yesterday his biggest regret in life is not playing in the PBA – which he would’ve done if only the opportunity of working with the Heat as a video coordinator didn’t come in 1995, ending his playing career at the age of 25.

Spoelstra, 38, is in town to conduct clinics for coaches, players and underprivileged kids until Saturday. He flew in Monday with Miami assistant coaches David Fizdale and Chad Kammemer and former WNBA star Sue Wicks.

After playing four years for the University of Portland, Spoelstra took a job as playing coach for TuS Herten in the German league for two years.

“I wanted to see Europe,” he said. “But Jim Kelly kept trying to convince me to play in the PBA. He used to send me tapes of PBA games. That’s how I got to know stars like Jaworski. I thought that after playing in Europe, I might be able to do the PBA. But when the offer from Miami came, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work in the NBA.”

Kelly was a former PBA coaching consultant and is now director of player personnel with the Toronto Raptors. He is married to a Filipina and often recommends Fil-Ams and imports to PBA coaches whom he remains in close touch with.

Spoelstra went from video coordinator to assistant coach to head coach in his career with the Heat. He said he owes his development to Heat president and former coach Pat Riley.

“At the start, Pat wasn’t my direct boss,” he said. “I went through other coaches like Stan Van Gundy. Eventually, he became my direct boss when he took over as head coach. I’ve had a great 14-year experience with Pat. My relationship with him now is more of mentorship. I confide in him. His office is just 25 feet away from mine so I’m often knocking on his door. He makes the ultimate decisions on player movements. We talk about whom we’d like to get, how we plan to rebuild. My coaching philosophy is based on his. I’m a believer of Pat’s philosophy and culture.”

Spoelstra said he couldn’t ask for a more inspiring team owner than Mickey Arison. “He wants us to be competitive, to pursue the championship,” he continued. “I think Miami is one of the best franchises in the NBA. It’s not only a great team to join because of Mickey’s commitment to pursue a championship but Miami is also a great place to live.”

Spoelstra said what sets Dwyane Wade apart from other NBA megastars is his sense of humility.

“He doesn’t even want to be compared with guys like Kobe, LeBron or Michael,” said Spoelstra. “He’s accomplished so much in his career at a young age and I think he had an MVP season last season. He doesn’t want to be treated special in our team. He wants to be treated just like everybody else, like one of the players.”

Spoelstra said with Jamario Moon’s transfer to Cleveland, he plans to shift Michael Beasley to cover at small forward.

“Michael will also play power forward as we’ve got guys like James Jones who can play small forward,” said Spoelstra.

With Beasley moving to No. 3, the opportunity will open up for Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to step in. The Heat is closing in to sign Odom, who once played with Wade at Miami, and may package a trade to acquire Boozer. Spoelstra declined to comment on the status of negotiations, saying only, “let’s see.”

Spoelstra said this coming season, there are high expectations for Miami and the competition will be more fierce in the Eastern Conference.

In Spoelstra’s coaching debut last year, he engineered the sixth biggest single-season turnaround in NBA history as Miami improved from 15-67 to 43-39.

“There’s always pressure in the NBA,” he said. “With teams like Cleveland, Orlando, Boston and Detroit retooling, I think you’ll notice a paradigm shift in terms of power from the West to the East. Every team is upgrading and we’ve got to be competitive.”

Spoelstra said when he was invited to come over, he felt nervous and excited. “We’ve been trying to make this happen for a while,” he noted. “It was very emotional for me as I haven’t been to the Philippines since I was three.”

Spoelstra said he’s proud of his Filipino heritage and all over the US, it’s a widely-known fact that he’s a Fil-Am. “I grew up living Filipino values, like sense of family and community and respect for elders,” he said. “I’m proud to be the first Filipino-American - and the first Asian-American for that matter - NBA head coach. I notice that in the San Francisco area where there is a large concentration of Filipino residents, media requests are higher than usual when the Heat comes to play.”

Spoelstra said during the week, he’s been with Filipino relatives, particularly his first cousin Hannah who is the daughter of his mother’s brother Tony. On Friday, he will be feted by relatives in a family get-together. A cousin who lives in Singapore planed in for the celebration.

Spoelstra said in his clinic with PBA coaches and players at the Ynares Center yesterday, he shared his experiences in the NBA and tips on how to succeed in basketball. With underprivileged kids in Zamboanga City last Tuesday, he was inspired by their warm reception and spoke about the values of discipline, teamwork and working together for a common goal.

No offense to him but if he was able to play in the PBA... he wouldn't be an NBA Coach now... PBA will make sure its players will not excel beyond the league and Spoelstra would be just another player worship by PBA fanatics...

 

[The_Big_Cat2]

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra in San Beda.

 

[rikhardur2]

Just out of curiosity does Spoelstra speak Tagalog?

 

[c_d2]

Just out of curiosity does Spoelstra speak Tagalog?

Nope.

 

[c_d2]

Spoelstra shows how to beat pick-and-roll
By WAYLON GALVEZ
July 31, 2009, 7:24pm

Just when they thought they have everything figured out, Filipino coaches realized there’s still so much to learn in basketball, particularly team defense.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra demonstrated last Tuesday some patterns and drills on how the Heat apply pressure defense.

Despite his superstar status, Dwayne Wade is one of the team’s hardworking players on the defensive end, according to the 38-year-old Spoelstra.

“Dwayne will try to block a shot of guys taller than him inside the lane,” he said. “But if that guy passes the ball to a teammate from the three-point line, Dwayne will run to that guy on the three, again try to block the shot. That’s how we play defense in Miami.”

Much of Spoelstra’s clinic centered on team defense, a philosophy he shares with his mentor, Pat Riley.

“He’s one of the great coaches in the NBA,” said Spoelstra of Riley, who is now Miami’s president and general manager. “I just look up to him as my mentor. He’s known in the NBA who preaches team defense.”

Coaches Chot Reyes of Talk’N Text and Tim Cone of Alaska were impressed with Spoelstra’s technique against the pick-and-roll.

“I thought he taught some things that were unique to the NBA and that was really exciting,” Cone said. “These are new things that we’ll bring to the PBA. His techniques, the way he defends the pick-and-rolls and his closes out.” Reyes said: “It’s a different way to defend the pick and roll.”

Spoelstra’s technique prevents the ball handler to knock down an open jump shot and the player who set the screen to cut and receive the pass.

Most of the time, according to Spoelstra, players tend to leave their defensive assignments.

“Bulk of his demonstration focused on his philosophies on defense,” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said. “His emphasis as well as his drills on the defense are impressive if you consider the fact that the Heat is one of the better defensive teams in the NBA.”

Spoelstra is the first Fil-American to handle an NBA team. His mother Elisa Celina hails from San Pablo, Laguna.

Joining Spoelstra in the series of clinics organized by the US Department of States’ Sports Envoy Program are Miami assistant coach David Fizdale and former WNBA All-Star Sue Wicks.

 

[nardy2]

I do hope the BCAP membership would be as open minded as Coach Spoelstra, he was not only able to share whatever knowledge and tecniques to others when he held clinics here, he acknowledge his weaknesses and is not afraid to learn from others. Today he and his entourage was with Coach Rajko Toroman as he asked Coach Rajko about his version of double picks that frees the main shooter from his man and a number of other things. The unattached SMART GILAS players since they're just 4 practice together with the Talk N Text players, they're lucky today as they had 2 good coaches who were exchanging ideas on a lot of things. I can now say that the best of NBA style and the best of European style can be merged and it can create an effective but also entertaining kind of basketball.

The Talk N Text with Coach Chot is benefiting with this joint training they are having with GILAS as they are learning a lot from Coach Rajko, but our Pro players being not used with the Spartan training of Toroman have their bodies aching all over and are pathing hard after the sessions they are having with Toroman. And just to think that Coach Chot is said to be a very demanding drillmaster among his coaching peers in the PBA. hahaha