A new era of assistants
Erik Spoelstra, celebrated for his two‑decade tenure with the Miami Heat and a gold‑medal run with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has succeeded Steve Kerr as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team. His appointment marks a seamless transition as the program shifts toward the 2027 World Cup in Qatar and the automatic qualification for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Spoelstra’s support staff will be anchored by three assistants: Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, J.B. Bickerstaff, formerly of the Detroit Pistons, and Mark Few, the long‑standing Gonzaga mentor. Each brings a distinct pedigree that promises a strategic blend of NBA and college experience.
Proven track records
Daigneault’s résumé includes leading the Thunder to a championship in the 2025 NBA Finals and guiding the franchise to back‑to‑back league‑leading win totals. His recent success positions him as a fresh catalyst for the national team’s ambitions.
Bickerstaff, credited with revitalizing the Pistons into a 60‑win East‑topping squad this past season, adds a reputation for rapid transformation and player development that could prove pivotal in high‑stakes qualifiers.
Few, a fixture on USA Basketball’s men’s staff for over a decade, contributes deep college expertise and a history of nurturing NBA talent, reinforcing the staff’s depth of knowledge.
Preparing for Qatar and Los Angeles
The newly formed coaching unit will convene for August qualifiers ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Qatar. Those matches will determine readiness for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, where the United States will enter automatically as a host nation.