The UST Growling Tigresses were granted a unique chance to receive coaching from Erik Spoelstra, the two-time champion coach of the Miami Heat, during a basketball clinic held ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig on Aug. 23.
UAAP Most Valuable Player Eka Soriano, Tacky Tacatac, Reynalyn Ferrer, Kent Pastrana and Rocel Dionisio of UST were among the 40 young hoopers who trained with Spoelstra in the one-day camp that focused on skills development and leadership training.
According to UST’s head coach Haydee Ong, the Tigresses’ participation in the clinic provided a “significant boost” to their preparations for UAAP Season 86.
“The opportunity to learn from one of the best coaches in the NBA undoubtedly provided a significant boost to the players’ skills and confidence,” Ong told the Varsitarian. “Being granted the opportunity to participate in that clinic holds immense significance for us.”
The UST coach said Spoelstra highlighted the significance of putting maximum effort into drills to enhance skills, foster teamwork, and gain a more profound comprehension of the game.
“This elite basketball clinic provides a substantial boost to the Growling Tigresses’ preparation for the UAAP,” she said. “This combination of knowledge and camaraderie will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping our team’s performance and dynamics in the upcoming season.”
Tacatac, a member of the Season 85 women’s basketball Mythical Five, expressed that her most significant takeaway from Spoelstra was the importance of cultivating a robust bond with her teammates.
“He also explained to us how he gets ready for big games,” she told the Varsitarian. “Especially as Season 86 approaches, it means a lot.”
Spoelstra, a Filipino-American, coached the Miami Heat to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
Last NBA season, the Heat became the first No. 8 seed in 24 years to reach the Eastern Conference finals after pulling off upset series wins over the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics.
Spoelstra is an assistant coach for Team USA.
