Spoelstra Representing Portland on Biggest Stage

Spoelstra in all his glory finishing at the rim for the Portland Pilots

With the NBA Finals heading into the home stretch, former Pilot and current Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will need to make a few adjustments in order for Miami to prolong the series and give the Heat back to back NBA titles, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Phil Jackson led the Lakers to back to back championships in 2009-2010.

Coach Spo’s prominence and visibility on the biggest stage of the NBA is fun to watch for any Portland fan. It’s that relevancy that provides a great opportunity to the current program for exposure. It’s not unusual to see pictures of Spoelstra in his college days, or hear commentators mention Portland when talking about Spoelstra.

The University has done well to capitalize on the connection placing full page adds in the Oregonian, multiple mentions on the University’s homepage, and using Spoelstra for in game promo’s including the “Nacho Night” classic.

Overall Spoelstra is a great ambassador for the University. His relevance in the professional basketball is even greater for the Portland Basketball Program.  And while it is easy to dislike the Heat for their arrogance when the Big 3 signed, as a Portland fan it’s fun to root for a Pilot on the biggest stage.

Even if the Heat lose to the Spurs the WCC will have a champion in Saint Mary’s Patty Mills. The former Gael plays an important role on the Spurs bench as an emotional leader and lead towel waver. If you haven’t seen his instructional video, it’s definitely worth a watch.