USA Basketball named Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra as the new head coach of the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team during a news conference in Miami on Oct. 16.
Men’s national team managing director Grant Hill offered Spoelstra the position and said the coach accepted almost immediately. Spoelstra, who previously served as an assistant under former head coach Steve Kerr, becomes the first Filipino-American to lead Team USA.
The appointment comes after a meeting between Hill and Spoelstra in Miami, near the Heat’s home arena. USA Basketball cited Spoelstra’s championship résumé, familiarity with the program, and success in international preparations as key reasons for his selection.
Spoelstra said he was honored and excited to lead the national team into the next Olympic cycle, pledging to build on Team USA’s tradition of international dominance. USA Basketball officials welcomed the decision, calling it a continuation of the organization’s long-term strategy and a milestone in diversifying coaching leadership.
Spoelstra succeeds Kerr and will begin overseeing player development, training camps, and international preparations ahead of upcoming Olympic competitions.