Spoelstra loves the physical basketball game of Pinoys

Erik Spoelstra, the Filipino-American head coach of the reigning NBA champions Miami Heat said he was really impressed with the physicality of professional basketball in the Philippines and the local rough-and-tumble style of play. A day after arriving again in the country, the 41-year-old Spoelstra watched Game 5 of the best-of-seven PBA Governors' Cup championship series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the B-MEG Llamados. "I watched the PBA Finals last night and it's really physical, I love it!" said Spoelstra, whose mother comes from San Pablo City, told reporters during a press conference at the Mariott Hotel in Pasay City, Thursday. "I"m hoping the series will go to Game 7." The Elasto Painters currently lead the series 3-2. Asked if it was possible for a PBA player to make the leap to the NBA, Spoelstra said his scouting team would do some work and that they would find out who the player who has the potential to play in the world's biggest and grandest basketball league is. "No player in particular had impressed me the most yet during that championship series, but let me scout the players there [in the PBA]," Spoelstra said. "So far, I really love the Filipinos' physical basketball game. "The game of basketball has become global and the NBA will search for players...in any country, in any region of the world as long as that talent can help teams win," he added. “I don’t see why there won’t continue to be players from Asia, from Europe, from South America, one of these days hopefully from the Philippines, but it is exciting.” He also admitted that during his early career as a basketball player, when he had his fresh legs, he was asked by someone to try his luck in the PBA but was warned about the rough physicality of the local basketball brand. “I regret not playing in the PBA. If I could turn back the clock, I will play there,” he said. “I’m willing to put my brace up in order for me to play and let’s have fun.” Spoelstra, who brought the NBA Larry O’ Brien championship trophy with him as part of the NBA's Trophy Tour, also clarified there was no commitment for him to become consultant to the country's national team. He is expected to return to Miami on Monday. - AMD, GMA News   Inboundpass has been covering collegiate basketball for six years. For more NCAA stories and information, check out inboundpass.com and follow Inboundpass on Twitter at @inboundpass