By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Team USA head coach Erik Spoelstra was in Pesaro and watched Serbia’s 76-64 win over Italy.
Italy’s Simone Fontecchio and Serbia’s Nikola Jovic are Miami Heat members, and coach Spoelstra explained why the Heat encourage their players to compete with their national teams.
“Playing for their countries is what they’re really passionate about. That’s what I love seeing,” Spoelstra told the official FIBA website.
“Secondly, it’s an opportunity to play a different role and grow. I mean, these are playoff games. The level and the intensity of these games is terrific. We always encourage our guys to play for their countries. One because it’s the passion and the excitement around it, but also it prepares you for an NBA season better than anything else.”
Watch All FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Windows action on Courtside 1891
Of course, this also comes with the condition that the players are fully healthy, since Miami’s biggest star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was absent in the qualifiers, coming off an injury that limited him to just 36 NBA games last season.
Make