A day well spent with Coach Spo

(Photo by Roy Afable)

In the first week of August, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was in the country to do some basketball clinics and brought along his newly won NBA hardware. In his recent visits here, he wasn't all that huge to say the least. This time around however, Coach Spo came home a champion and was given rock star treatment like any NBA talent that visited Manila.

And what not, it was rightfully deserving for a man of his stature. For a Fil-Am coach who has worked to get where he is, no wonder Pat Riley put all his trust in him -- clearly, knew he had potential to be a winner. You gotta give Riles a lot of credit for giving Coach Spo that promotion years ago.

Though, I've already interviewed him last year (this was during the lockout) for NBA Fit, taking a few snapshots of him was fulfilling enough for me. In his first (?) visit here sponsored by the US Embassy (as far as I can remember), I had a chance to get a photo with him but it sort of didn't turn out well.

BTV's Jinno Rufino and Ateneo Blue Eagles' Nico Salva with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

In his next visits, I vowed to get a better with him but wasn't able to do so. Opportunity struck when I was invited to an exclusive event for Coach Spo courtesy of Gatorade Philippines last August 4. The event was hosted by BTV's Jinno Rufino at Ateneo Blue Eagles swingman Nico Salva. Not only did I get a photo with Coach Spo -- better one at that -- I also got his autograph as well! How cool is that? One thing that didn't change though is that Coach Spo is the same classy and humble guy I've met before.

I'm actually looking for to his visit here next year.

Many thanks to Mr. Rick Olivares and Gatorade Philippines for inviting me to Coach Spo's recent exclusive meet and greet event.