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Even the country’s biggest basketball stars are excited to see Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.
When he enters the men’s national basketball team’s practice, energy rises.
During a recent visit to the Philippines for the NBA Trophy Tour, the Filipino-American world champion coach drops by Smart-Gilas’ second day of training.
He talks to head coach Chot Reyes, and they exchange ideas and tips to help the team reach their ultimate goal: qualify for the 2014 FIBA world championships in Spain.
Reyes says Spoelstra thinks he is on the right path.
CHOT REYES, SMART-GILAS HEAD COACH: The important thing was for Coach Spoelstra to tell them that he feels this is the offense for the Philippines, in fact he called it, this should be the national offense, the national way of playing basketball.
Speolstra’s assistant Dan Craig gets on the court and leads a drill with Smart-Gilas that Miami Heat starts every practice with.
It trains the team to make the easy play, to keep the ball moving, and be quick on offense.
He likes what he sees.
DAN CRAIG, MIAMI HEAT ASSISTANT: I think I like what I’m seeing, I like what the coaches are working on and stressing out there on the field. The players are obviously very attentive. I think that they get a couple more practices under their belt and they should have more success.
For the players, having Spoelstra visit is more than they can ask for.
They play a little harder when he comes, eager to showcase their skills.
They know Spoelstra dropping by is rare, and they are grateful.
MATT ROSER, SMART-GILAS PLAYER: I’m honored to even hear him talk, he has such a great mind, a basketball mind, and all the players he coaches… its just great to see him out here, to come back home to the Philippines.
For the Philippine athletes who will carry the flag, Spoelstra’s support is monumental.
Spoelstra’s prominence in basketball gives Pinoys something to be proud of, an inspiration to a team who wants to accomplish the exact same thing.
Smart-Gilas will have their first test on Saturday, when they play Jordan in Taipei for the annual Jones Cup.
Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler Manila.
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