Erik Spoelstra. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra has sent President Benigno Aquino a souvenir from the NBA champion Miami Heat, an autographed championship cap with a message wishing the Philippine leader all the best.
According to Renato Marfil of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Spoelstra sent the black-and-gray cap through ABS-CBN’s TJ Manotoc, who covered the recent NBA finals for the Filipino television network.
Manotoc, in turn, sent the souvenir to Malacañang through ABS-CBN’s Palace reporter Willard Cheng.
“To PNoy, Best wishes! Coach Spo,” said Spoelstra’s autograph on the cap’s visor.
Aquino received the cap on Friday, on the eve of the second anniversary of his presidency.
Spoelstra steered a superstar-laden Miami Heat squad to the NBA championship over the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in June.