By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Erik Spoelstra is widely expected to take over from Steve Kerr as the new head coach of the senior national team of the United States.
Kerr, 58, succeeded Gregg Popovich after working as an assistant in the 2020 Olympic Games, held in Tokyo in 2021. His first assignment as head coach resulted in a disappointing fourth-place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. With more experienced NBA stars on the roster, he guided Team USA to first place in the 2024 Olympic Games in France and a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he intended to step down following the completion of the international cycle.
Spoelstra, 53, was among the candidates considered by USA Basketball, USAB, to replace Popovich. Also under Popovich in the Tokyo Games, he remained an assistant across the World Cup and next Olympic Games. As the leading candidate to become the new senior national team selector, the next international cycle is highlighted by the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, one year after the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
Returning from Paris with a gold medal, he will focus on his 16th season as the head coach of the Miami Heat and 29th as a member of the organization. From being hired as the team video coordinator in 1995, he became head coach in 2008, taking over from Pat Riley, current team president of the Heat. In 2012 and 2013, he guided the franchise to the NBA championship.
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