Erik Spoelstra has been named head coach of the USA Basketball Men's National Team through 2028. Spoelstra, who played at University of Portland from 1988-92, was selected by USA Basketball's Men's National Team managing director Grant Hill and was approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors on Tuesday.

In addition to an Olympic gold medal as an assistant coach at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Spoelstra was an assistant coach to Steve Kerr at the 2023 FIBA Men's World Cup, where the USA finished fourth, and served as head of the 2021 USA Basketball Men's Select Team, which trained alongside the 2020 USA Men's National Team ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"It's an incredible honor to be named head coach of the USA Basketball Men's National Team," Spoelstra said. "Representing our country and leading world-class athletes to marquee competitions is one of the greatest privileges in sport. I look forward to carrying on the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball."

Spoelstra will lead the USA men at the 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup in Doha, Qatar, and at the Olympics Games Los Angeles 2028.

Earlier this month, Spoelstra began his 18th season as head coach of the Miami Heat, making him the longest tenured coach in the NBA with one team. He has led the Heat to NBA championships in 2012 and 2013 and six total NBA Finals appearances (most recently in 2023).

A native of Portland and graduate of Jesuit High School, Spoelstra is among the University of Portland career leaders in a variety of categories. He is fourth all-time in assists (488), tied for seventh in three-pointers made (156), ninth in assists average (4.4) and 10th in free throw percentage (.824). A three-year starter and West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 1989, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game for his career. Spoelstra is also a member of the 1,000-point club.
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