Normally, I would have rooted for the underdog. That is why I have never been a Jordan fan or a Kobe fan. To me, it is not much fun rooting for a sure winner.
But in the just concluded NBA finals, I must confess that my bet was on the Miami Heat. Nah, I did not bet a single peso. Could have won a few extra bucks, with all the money going for the OKC Thunder’s way.
But I have never been much of a bettor on anything.
Except that one time when I was blinded by loyalty and I accepted a bet for Oscar de la Hoya against Manny Pacquiao.
Others bet for the Miami Heat because they are still Pat Riley fans. My money was on the Heat for only one reason—Erik Spoelstra.
I root for Coach Erik because he is a Filipino and is proud to tell the whole world that he is one. So unlike some kababayans of ours, who, after just a few years in the USA would rather die than be caught speaking the native tongue. That is why their children do not speak a single Filipino word. Have never gone back to their roots because their parents having achieved their dream of living in the land of milk and honey have decided never to turn back.
I was therefore very glad to meet a group of second and third generation Fil-Ams who expressed hunger to know more about their Filipino roots. This is the reason why for me, the success of Coach Erik was important to cement the growing interest and pride that Filipino American presumably have at the moment, with the popularity of Manny Pacquiao, Jessica Sanchez and now Erik Spoelstra.
They are not just the cream of the crop dude. They are at the top of the line.
Another reason why Miami had to win is that it makes the job of Coach Erik’s job secure. Despite the enormous success of the Heat under Coach Erik — they were Eastern Conference Champions and Finals runner-ups last year weren’t they? — still the expectation of all Miami stakeholders, including the fans who actually are the ones who pay for the bills is nothing less than being NBA Champions.
Not even Pat Riley could stem a call for a coaching change, if Miami failed to win the whole caboodle. Not that Coach Erik would have a problem getting another coaching job. The guy must be good.
Proof of this is that he has the trust of somebody considered as one of the greatest coaches of all time, Pat Riley.
Coach Erik was able to rein in the bigger than life egos of his superstars. Unlike before, I did not see Lebron James questioning the decisions of Coach Erik. The only way to gain the respect of a great player is to prove that you are even a greater coach.
Lastly, you do not get to coach a premier NBA team without nothing between your ears.
So all’s well that ends well.
This is not just about Filipinos outside of the country. This is also about us who feel stranded in this beautiful islands of ours. We can make this country great!
If India, Brazil and the other emerging countries have been able to make it, there is no reason why a nation who can produce a Manny Pacquiao, a Jessica Sanchez, an Eric Spoelstra, etc. cannot do it as well.