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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says there’s ‘no better way’ to prep for NBA than going to Kentucky
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Miami Heat were getting major contributions from a pair of former Kentucky players before the 2020 season was put on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Oh, and team president Pat Riley, who is one of the greatest personnel people in NBA history, is also a former Wildcat.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra certainly appreciates the Kentucky connection his team has and the way coach John Calipari runs the program in Lexington.
Recently, Spoelstra said Kentucky is the perfect place to go if you want to learn what it takes to be successful in the NBA (via Kentucky Sports Radio):
“None of those guys ever average over 25 points a game. That’s just not the deal when you go to Kentucky,” Spoelstra said. “You’re going to have to defend. You’re going to have to play a role. There’s going to be a ton of lottery talent around you so you’re going to have to be willing to share in the game, share in the success, and enjoy other people playing well, and not play for numbers.
“So I think for a college program, there’s no better way to develop, to get ready for the next level in this league.”
That’s high praise for Coach Cal’s program. Will the Heat take another Kentucky player in the 2020 NBA Draft in June?
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
