Joel Embiid #21 talks with head coach Erik Spoelstra of Team Durant during the NBA All-Star practice at the Wolstein Center on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is planning to stage a basketball event when he visits the Philippines again.
Spoelstra, whose mother Elisa Celino hails from San Pablo, Laguna, said the event could feature Filipino-American guard Jalen Green.
“I think it’s pretty cool. I wanted to make sure I bumped into him (Green) at some point this weekend and just say mabuhay and I wanna get something going again in the Philippines,” Spoelstra said in his media availability at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Would love to have him involved and you know, as many other players we can get over there and have some fun,” he added.
Spoelstra, 51, said another Filipino-American guard in Jordan Clarkson as well as NBA legend Dwyane Wade, who played 15 seasons with the Heat, could join as well.
Filipino-American NBA Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra (C) conducts a basketball training program at a government run high school in Manila on August 4, 2011. Spoelstra is in Manila for a series of fitness events for the National Basketball Association FIT program. FIT is the league’s global comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families. AFP PHOTO / JAY DIRECTO
“We’ll figure this all out,” said Spoelstra, who was in the Philippines in 2011 for the NBA FIT program.
Spoelstra, who was recently named in the 15 all-time greatest coaches in the NBA, also heaped praise at Green.
Green, the second overall pick by the Houston Rockets, is averaging 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his rookie season.
“What a great kid, amazing talent and he has an incredible future ahead of him,” said Spoelstra, who coached Team Durant in the All-Star Game.
