A BIG Filipino crowd that loves the NBA and adores its players will be waiting for Team USA come out and play.
Team USA’s Fil-American assistant coach Erik Spoelstra knows this, saying he feels the love of Filipino fans as he gets ready to watch Team USA in action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
“The crowds are going to be rockin’. They’ve been waiting for this opportunity for all the teams to be there and show their enthusiasm for the game, this beautiful game that we are blessed to be a part of. But It’s going to be nuts. I can’t wait for our team to see it,” said Spoelstra in a statement, before members of the Steve Kerr-coached Team USA arrived Tuesday on board a flight from Abu Dhabi at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Team officials believe that interest in the sport by Filipino fans will mostly inspire their players to come out with their best game throughout the competition.
The US squad is loaded with players from the NBA, many of them having a following the Philippines.
“This has been happening for the past 30 years. It’s truly a global game, now. The world has caught up and that’s what makes this more competitive than it’s ever been. It’s a beautiful thing that the game has expanded to every region on this planet,” added Spoelstra, the Fil-Am coach of the Miami Heat since in April of 2008.
Spoelstra, whose mother, Elisa Celino is a native of San Pablo, Laguna, said Team USA will be treated like royalty by the fans once they go out and get seen in Manila.
“They’ll be like rock stars there,” said Spoelstra of the Team USA members, who have won all five of their tuneup matches in Las Vegas, Spain and Abu Dhabi.
During those games, Anthony Edwards stood out, and made 34 points in their final friendly in a 99-91 US win over Germany.
The United States are strong favorites in Group D, with Greece, New Zealand and Jordan looking forward to score an upset.
With Steve Kerr at the helm, Team USA will be seeking their sixth World Cup crown.