ORLANDO – Like many in South Florida, Miami Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra was caught off guard Thursday with the information that College of Miami basketball coach Jim Larrañaga was resigning after 13 largely profitable seasons with the Hurricanes.
“I actually simply found this whereas strolling right here,” Spoelstra stated. after his group’s morning shootout on the Kia Middle, earlier than the Warmth’s recreation Thursday night time towards the Orlando Magic. “I’m nonetheless shocked about it.”
Spoelstra, 54, stated he grew nearer through the years to Canes’ 75-year-old mentor.
“Coach Larranaga is a pal of mine. I believe very extremely of him,” Spoelstra stated, “for the best way he’s capable of construct a program that has a way of neighborhood and we’ve all rallied across the basketball program. I dwell in Coral Gables, so I used to be part of this motion.
In latest days, Spoelstra had spoken about how Warmth proprietor Micky Arison and Warmth president Pat Riley helped remodel South Florida from a soccer city to 1 that additionally embraces basketball .
Spoelstra stated Thursday that Larrañaga additionally deserves ample credit score in that regard.
“We might really feel it lately. It has been lots of enjoyable” Spoelstra stated of the Hurricanes’ journeys to the NCAA Event and Remaining 4. “He wins in all places he goes, however he does it in a means that makes it a enjoyable model of basketball. followers help him, gamers love taking part in in his system.
“I’m simply surprised by the information.”
