Coach Spo never tires of telling story of how he wanted to play in PBA

There was a time when the PBA was a dream destination, even for Erik Spoelstra
Aug 24, 2023
Erik Spoelstra
Before leading an NBA champion side, Erik Spoelstra nearly played in the PBA.
PHOTO: Patrick Romero

FROM filling in the big shoes of the great Pat Riley to winning back-to-back NBA titles, Miami Heat tactician Erik Spoelstra has come a long way in building an illustrious coaching resumé.

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    READ: In 'home World Cup,' Erik Spoelstra's coaching dream finally comes true

    Named as one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History, Spoelstra never tires of telling the story of once eyeing the PBA as a stomping ground for a pro basketball career.

    "Growing up, my goal initially was to play in the PBA. That was always a dream of mine," the USA deputy coach said. "My family would send me (VHS) tapes of PBA games. I saw that and how crazy the crowds were and I thought 'Wow, I want to do that.’”

    erik spoelstra

    Subsequently, Coach Spo tried his luck in other overseas leagues up until the realization sunk in that all roads would lead him to South Beach and the NBA.

    “That was always a part of my plan. I ended up playing overseas for only a couple years and eventually tried to play here and then I got re-routed to Miami," he said.

    'Bring on the Heat'

    Spoelstra was hired by the Heat in 1995, not as a reserve player or a coaching staff member, but as the team's video coordinator.

    And from shifting roles as a scouting head and assistant coach, he finally became the heir to Riley's throne as head coach in 2008.

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    With his proven success and longevity as one of the best mentors to grace the game, Spoelstra soon knew he was exactly where he was meant to be — coaching the brightest stars of today and the rising stars of tomorrow.

    “Once we started going here with the NBA and doing camps and clinics, that’s where I really wanted to be more involved in, the grassroots level,” Spoelstra said.

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    Before leading an NBA champion side, Erik Spoelstra nearly played in the PBA.
    PHOTO: Patrick Romero
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