Erik Spoelstra is officially Team USA's next head coach.

Spoelstra has the full support of former coach Steve Kerr also. Kerr even went as far as calling Spoelstra the “perfect choice” and I’d have to agree with that. Spoelstra resume is elite, there is no argument contrary. Spoelstra is one of, if not, the best coach in the NBA and the facts show.  Spoelstra as a head coach has won 2 NBA championships, another as an assistant coach, and made 2 other NBA Finals trips as a head coach. He has also been named the best coach in the NBA in the annual NBA GM survey 6 years running now, while also consistently winning the “best manager/motivator of people” award.  The Miami Heat under Spoelstra have routinely outperformed expectations, especially in the playoffs. This has made Spoelstra be feared by opposing teams due to his ability to consistently get the most out of his players.

As far as changes on the court, any USA Basketball fan can expect the national Team to play sound defense and with some “heart.” Now obviously international basketball is different than NBA basketball, and these differences have hurt Team USA in recent years. They have not been as dominant in the past, mostly due to closer talent levels of other countries. There also seems to be a shift in effort levels at times by Team USA. This shift can be seen on the defensive end where, at times, the players are not playing to their full ability. With Spoelstra at the helm, none of that will be tolerated.  Erik Spoelstra will demand defensive excellence from his players that should tighten up the defense end. USA Basketball does not want to settle for just gold medals, they want to get back to the dominant force they have been. Take Steve Kerr’s words for it, Spoelstra is the “perfect choice.”

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