Besides its promising players, Team USA upholds high consideration throughout the 2023 FIBA Basketball World because of Erik Spoelstra.
The Miami Heat mentor currently serves as an assistant for Steve Kerr within the nationals squad, and Anthony Edwards can only feel fortunate about picking up the brain and that “Heat Culture” of the seasoned tactician as they move along towards their World Cup goal
“He’s been dope man, bringing a lot of energy and the ‘Heat Culture,”‘ Edwards said after finishing with 14 points in Team USA’s World Cup debut win over New Zealand. “It’s exciting to see. His first day with the scout (team), I was like ‘I see what they mean when they say Heat Culture’. They come out with a lot of energy and are right to the point and super precise with the details.
“So it’s dope.”
As a proud student of the game of Pat Riley, Spoelstra carried this famous mantra upon filling Miami’s head coaching slate over 10 years ago. From there, he was able to guide the franchise to three NBA titles – with last year being a one of a kind achievement as they reached the NBA Finals as an eighth-seeded squad.
With some doubting the Americans’ pedigree to this year’s World Cup because of age and lack of international exposure, Spoelstra’s “Heat Culture” also promotes resilience and positivity to the youthful team as they look to regain their FIBA glory.
Edwards and Team USA will be back on work as they prepare against Greece for their Monday showcase at Group B of the World Cup.
