ERIK Spoelsra will be very honored to coach the United States national team in international competitions someday.
But he would rather see current mentor Mike Krzyzewski stay on.
Responding to a question from a fan who felt the Miami coach was the right man for the job during a viewing party of Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals at the Mall of Asia Center Stage, Spoelstra said the US job is pretty much in very capable hands as he praised current coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“We already have an excellent coach and a hall of famer. I actually hope that Coach K will coach that team for a long time,” Spoelstra said.
“It’s going to be an honor to coach the USA team. But we have a great program and an excellent coach who also happens to be a good friend of mine,” Spoelstra said.
Another fan asked if he would be interested in coaching the Philippine national team, but Spoelstra reiterated that he will be too busy with his duties with the Heat.
“(The Miami Heat coaching job) takes up majority of my time. It’s a 24-hour job. I hope that I can keep this job which restricts me from being involved (in other jobs),” said Spoelstra.
"But I'll continue to commit to the grassroots development of the game here in the Philippines and that’s what I enjoy the most," he said.
When asked by another fan why he returned to the country for the fourth time with the NBA trophy, Spoelstra said he wanted to keep his promise.
“I told the fans that if we were fortunate enough to win the title, we will bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to Manila,” said Spoelstra.
“I want to be a man of my word,” he added.
Spoelstra gave his insights about Game Four while it was being shown in the cinema in front of a good-sized crowd. The Heat won that game, 104-98, with Mario Chalmers playing the hero’s role.
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