Erik Spoelstra hopes to watch Gilas live, reunite with Tim Cone

As he returns to the country, Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra of Team USA is hoping he could find some time to witness Gilas Pilipinas play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup here.

Spoelstra, serving as one of Steve Kerr's assistant coaches, said Gilas' looming campaign at the global cagefest is going to be exciting, noting that Utah Jazz Jordan Clarkson's addition to the squad is definitely a huge boost.

"It's going to be exciting. I'm going to try and catch their game," Spoelstra said during a media availability on Wednesday. "Definitely, he (Clarkson) is a big addition for sure, without a doubt."

Spoelstra is also hoping to reunite with his good friend and Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone while sharing that he's also looking to meet current national team head coach Chot Reyes.

Spoelstra and Cone's friendship has been fruitful the past years with the latter even joining Heat's Summer League team last year while serving as Barangay Ginebra head coach in the PBA.

"You know, coach Tim and I have connected and I hope to meet up with coach Chot as well but I haven't seen a whole lot of them. But I'm looking forward to watching them play and watching them compete," he added.

Spoelstra is part of Team USA's coaching staff for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Americans will open their campaign against New Zealand on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News