Photo by AP
MANILA—Miami Heat’s Filipino-American head coach Erik Spoelstra encouraged young athletes to prepare for the future while not forgetting the present.
“This is an incredible day and I’m proud to be a Filipino,” said Spoelstra. “Stay in the moment but always look ahead.”
Spoelstra, who is here for a week-long NBA Fit Philippines Tour, addressed an overflowing crowd during the opening Wednesday of the Third Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Spoelstra will also visit various schools and hold coaching clinics including an NBA Fit Development Camp Friday.
Spoelstra, who traces his roots to San Pablo City, Laguna, and the Heat lost the NBA Finals to Rick Carlisle and the Dallas Mavericks but is optimistic of the future.
“We learn from our experiences and try to comeback strong next season,” he said.
ISAA officials headed by La Consolacion’s Jose Yayen and Feati’s Melanie Tolentino, lauded Spoelstra’s presence.
“ISAA would like to thank coach Spoelstra and his NBA Fit team for gracing our opening. He is truly an inspiring presence to us and our athletes,” said Yayen.