MIAMI Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he is amazed to see how the NBA is recognizing the contribution of the Philippines to the popularity of basketball through its Filipino Heritage Week.
In a Cisco teleconference on Tuesday night, Spoelstra said he is proud and happy to see the Philippines' love for basketball recognized by the NBA through the Filipino Heritage Week celebration.
“It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?” said Spoelstra in a teleconference with Filipino reporters at the Cisco Philippines office in Taguig City.
The Filipino Heritage Week is set to be celebrated across the NBA and in the Philippines from March 13 to 19. The Golden State Wariors and the Miami Heat are hosting Filipino Heritage Nights this month featuring Philippine-themed performances and giveaways.
“At first, I thought it’s just going to be only with us. And then I found out Golden State was involved, and I found it will be around the NBA. I feel goose bumps thinking about it,” said the Fil-American coach.
The Heat will have two Filipino Heritage Week match-ups against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday (Manila time) and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.
The Heat-Pelicans match will be shown on Basketball TV, while the Heat-Wolves game will be on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium TV.
Spoelstra is proud to take part in such a momentous occasion honoring Filipinos around the world.
“Obviously, my heritage is really important to me and my family. I’m proud to being a Filipino. To be able to be recognized around the NBA, it’s a special thing,” said Spoelstra.