Former UP standout Erik Spoelstra Leads Miami HEAT to NBA Title
 
Former University of Portland standout guard Erik Spoelstra is a NBA Finals Champion. Spoelstra, a 1992 graduate of the University, is the head coach of the World Champion Miami HEAT and led the franchise to its second consecutive NBA Finals this season. With Thursday night's win over Oklahoma City, the HEAT secured its second NBA title in franchise history. Spoelstra succeeded Pat Riley as head coach in 2008 and served as an assistant coach with the Heat from 1997-2008.
 
Spoelstra has a career record of 194-118 as head coach and has taken the HEAT to the playoffs in each of his four seasons. His playoff record is an impressive 34-22.
 
A native of Portland and graduate of Jesuit High School, Spoelstra played on The Bluff from 1988-92 and is among the school’s career leaders in a variety of categories. He is third all-time in assists (488), tied for fifth in three-pointers made (156), sixth in assists average (4.4), seventh in free throw percentage (.824), and 10th in three-point percentage (.384). 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.
 
Spoelstra’s began his NBA career in 1995 with the Miami HEAT after playing professionally in Germany for two years. He started in the film room as an intern video coordinator, and was promoted to assistant coach/video coordinator two years later. At 37, he became the youngest head coach in the NBA in 2008.