NBA Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was named by USA Basketball as coach of the US men's team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Carmen MandatoMiami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was named head coach of the US men's team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on Tuesday by USA Basketball.
American teams of NBA stars have won the past five Olympic gold medals, giving the US men 17 Olympic titles in all as well as five FIBA World Cup titles.
Spoelstra was selected by US men's national team director Grant Hill and approved by USA Basketball's board of directors. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee must still approve his selection.
"It's an incredible honor," Spoelstra said. "Representing our country and leading world-class athletes to marquee competitions is one of the greatest privileges in sport. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball."
Spoelstra, 54, was an assistant coach on last year's Paris Olympic championship squad and an assistant to Steve Kerr on the US 2023 World Cup squad that finished fourth.
Spoelstra coached a US Select squad in 2021 that trained alongside the US Olympic squad that won gold in Tokyo.
With the Heat, Spoelstra was an assistant coach on the 2006 NBA championship team and as a head coach he guided Miami to the 2012 and 2013 NBA titles.
In addition to the 2028 Olympics on home hardwood, Spoelstra will direct the US men at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha and at training camps and exhibitions ahead of both major global events.
"I've known Erik Spoelstra for the better part of two decades and have gotten to know him better throughout our time with USA Basketball," Hill said.
"Spo is not only an outstanding coach, but a great colleague, friend and father, all of which make him the perfect choice to continue the USA Basketball men's national team coaching legacy through 2028."
Next week, Spoelstra will open his 18th season as head coach of the Heat, making him the longest tenured NBA coach with one team.
Spoelstra played and coached in Germany before going to Miami in 1995 as a video coordinator.
"Erik Spoelstra is one of the most widely respected head coaches around the game," USA Basketball chief executive officer Jim Tooley said.
"As the longest tenured coach with one team, along with his involvement with USA Basketball the past several years, he's well positioned to lead the USA men's national team."
js/ea
Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.