Spotlight On The NBA's First Asian, Youngest Head Coach

Editor's Note: Filipino-Dutch-Irish Erik Spoelstra took over Basketball Hall of Famer Pat Riley's position as Miami Heat head coach last April and is the first Asian, first Filipino and youngest head coach in the NBA. Riley calls Spoelstra a "man born to coach", and when the Heat won the 2006 NBA Championships, Riley first turned to him for a celebratory hug, acknowledging his contributions as then assistant coach.

On Dec. 1st, before the Miami Heat played the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, CA, Spoelstra spoke with local Filipino-American media including "New America Now" TV anchor Odette Keeley, sharing his pride in his heritage, and also confirming negotiations to bring NBA basketball clinics to the Philippines. Superstar Guard Dwyane Wade says Coach Spo helped develop his game and Forward Shawn Marion admires Spoelstra's trademark "open-door policy" in the team and staff. Odette Keeley hosts and produces video for New America Media's TV program on COMCAST ON DEMAND, "New America Now." Michael Siv is senior videographer and editor/producer for "New America Now" and NAM.

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[terrencemcg]

he looks more filipino than irish or dutch

[MrMAGNUMPISCCP]

@caveman9301969 When Spain colonize the Philippines,They have difficulty pronouncing Filipino last names like Batungbakal,Dimagiba, Dimalanta etc. so they decided to change the Fil. names to spanish names.

[TheCoop1988]

@caveman9301969 my my grandpa on my dads side was 100% filipino, our last name is Ocupe, dosent sound latino to me

[rapmili23]

@Filomenon73 u sound dumb

[gamemaster47]

@caveman9301969 So fuckin what, only natives are pure breeds. Americans uses English first names as their last names what's up wit that!

[thekidwhowantstosing]

THE FIRST FILIPINO HEAD COACH OF THE NBA WHO WOULD WIN HES FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP! HELL YEAH!

[caveman9301969]

Is'nt Philipino's 1/2 asian and 1/2 latino all Philipinos have latino last names wazzup with that?

[Filomenon73]

@mark95427 OH! you're so english fluent

i so apologize for my grammar and/or

spelling error sir...

[mark95427]

@Filomenon73

Huh? Speak English kid.

[Filomenon73]

0:58 ..YEAH THEIR PARENTS ARE WORRIED BECAUSE

NOT THAT THERE'S NO MONEY IN SPORTS IT'S BECAUSE

THEY'RE TOO SHORT TO PAY BASKETBALL LOL

[Filomenon73]

@TehFatBoiVids YEAH THAT COS THE FILIPINOS ARE

ASIANS AND MEXICANS ARE WHEREVER THEY COME

FROM. SOME SPANISH TRASH