Coach Spo hits town to share Miami Heat feat

MANILA, Philippines - Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra arrived here yesterday, thrilled to share with his fellow Filipinos his recent triumph in the 2012 NBA Finals.

Spoelstra, in his third trip to the country, flew in from Singapore, the first destination of his Asian tour, bringing along with him the Larry O’Brien trophy given to NBA champions.

Wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, Spoelstra greeted the fans at the airport and obliged to sign some autographs.

“I’m always excited to return,” said the soft-spoken Miami Heat mentor, who was received by NBA country manager for the Philippines Carlo Singson. He was later whisked away by security personnel who led him to his coaster.

Spoelstra also graced last night’s Game 5 of the PBA finals between Rain or Shine and B-Meg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

He will grace a press conference today at Marriott Manila, followed by an NBA 3X Clinic for boys and girls at the Jose Rizal University on Aug. 4 in the morning in line with the NBA 3X set Aug. 17-19 at SM MOA.

During his visit, backed by Gatorade, Spoelstra will also have stops at The Block Atrium of SM North Edsa from 2-3 p.m. on Aug. 4; and SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on the same day from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

He will likewise host an interactive viewing party at the SM MOA Center Stage, where the NBA will air an NBA Finals game and fans will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. The game will be shown on the large movie screen while Spoelstra provides his personal commentary, insights and inside information about the game.

Spoelstra, who traces his roots from San Pablo, Laguna, led the Miami Heat to the 2012 NBA Championship and became the first ever head coach of Asian descent or heritage to win an NBA title. – Dino Maragay/Aldo Avinante