MANILA, Philippines - Inimbitahan si Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra na silipin ang Philippine national basketball team sa kanilang 11-day training camp sa Marriott Marquis Hotel sa Miami at kung magkakaroon ng panahon, inaasahang magbibigay ang Fil-Am coach ng payo sa paghahanda ng Gilas para sa FIBA World Cup na gagawin sa Spain sa Aug. 30-Sept. 14.
“We’ve reached out to coach Spo,” sabi ni Gilas team manager Aboy Castro bago umalis ang delegation ng Manila sakay ng Delta flight patungong Miami via Tokyo at New York City kahapon ng umaga.
“We’ve been informed that coach Spo won’t be able to visit Manila as previously scheduled late this month to attend to player negotiations. That may mean coach Spo will be in Miami when the team is in town. It would be inspiring if coach Spo could stop by and speak to our team even for a few mi-nutes,” sabi ni Castro.
Sapul nang magdesisyon si LeBron James na iwanan ang Miami at bumalik sa Cleveland Cavaliers, naging abala si Spoelstra sa pagpapalakas ng Heat roster.
Mananatili ang Gilas sa 313-room Marriott Marquis Hotel kung saan may NBA-standard basketball court sa 19th floor. Ang Hotel ay may 24-hour fitness center na may cardiovascular at weight machines. Si naturalized player Andray Blatche, may bahay sa Miami, ang nagmungkahi sa naturang hotel dahil sa maganda nitong basketball facility.
Makakasama ng Gilas si Blatche sa pagsasanay.