Spoelstra cites Alapag as Asian coaches make mark

FILE – Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, center, talks during a time out to Andre Iguodala (28), Goran Dragic, left rear, Bam Adebayo (13), Tyler Herro (14) and Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference final against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

MANILA, Philippines — Erik Spoelstra is the only NBA head coach of Asian descent when he took over the position for the Miami Heat in 2008.

Spoelstra has come so far since starting as a video coordinator for the Heat in 1995. He has guided Miami to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 before steering the franchise back in the finals again this year for the fifth time since 2011.

It has been an extraordinary journey for Spoelstra and the Filipino-American mentor knows it’s only a matter of time before more Asian coaches get their big break.

Spoelstra referred to Jimmy Alapag, the former Philippine team captain turned coach who landed an assistant coaching stint with the Sacramento Kings in Summer League last year, as a perfect example of an Asian coach getting the opportunity.

“Five years ago, nobody would have thought about bringing in a coaching intern from the Philippines,” Spoelstra said in a story on theundefeated.com.

“Humbled and honored by the kind words from Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra. He has set the standard for other coaches like myself to follow. Ready and excited for what the future holds.🙏 via @undefeatedespn @miamiheat @nba,” Alapag wrote on Instagram.

Another Filipino-American in Mike Magpayo, who calls the shots for UC Riverside, is making a name for himself as the first Asian head coach in the NCAA Division I.

The opportunities may be knocking at the doors for Asian coaches now, but for the 49-year-old Spoelstra, there are still plenty of efforts that need to be done.

“It’s going to take some very persistent people to be able to change perception and change the narratives about it. It takes really uniquely persistent people,” Spoelstra said.

“There needs to be continued awareness and opportunities and a young generation that is willing to push open doors that are not quite open right now.