Tag: San Antonio Spurs

Spurs hire director of athletic performance

Matt Herring, a former Southwest Texas State Bobcat, was hired by the Spurs as director of athletic performance, the team .

Herring spent the past five years as the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Florida Gators men’s basketball team and men’s and womens’ golf programs. He previously worked at Oklahoma State University and was an intern at Texas.

“Coming from one of the premier programs in college basketball led by Billy Donovan at Florida, Matt brings championship credentials with him and we look forward to the contributions he will bring to our team,” said R.C. Buford, the Spurs’ president of sports franchises.

Herring earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise sports science from Southwest Texas in 1994 and a master’s of education in kinesiology from Texas in 2002. The Austin native was a teacher in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District from 1994-99.

Ginobili: This Argentine team is truly special

How special is the Argentine team Spurs star Manu Ginobili will lead into the FIBA Americas pre-Olympic qualifying tournament late this month?

In an article featured Thursday on FIBA’s website, Ginobili said he has never been part of a team that is more singular in its approach to one goal.

“I have never been part of a team like this where everyone is fighting for the same goal with so much team-work,” he said during a press conference in Argentina, his comments reported by the FIBA site.

“We are all proud to be a part of it, it is a great honor, a great pleasure to represent the country and unite together.

“There are players who are stars from their club teams who come here and leave their ego aside. That’s what I admire.

“To play with players of this quality makes everything easier.”

The pre-Olympic qualifier is to run from Aug. 30-Sept. 11 in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Cory Joseph joins Canadian team for FIBA championships

Spurs No. 1 draft pick and former Texas standout point guard Cory Joseph will join the Canadian National Team for the FIBA Americas tournament in Argentina. 

The Toronto Star reports that in the second phase of its training, which will begin Friday at Ryerson University in Toronto.

“It’s an honor to play for your country and I’m excited to get on the floor and represent Canada as best as I can,” Joseph told the Star. “I know we have a young, great group, with Joel (Anthony), (Carl) English and (Andy) Rautins coming in.

“Hopefully we come back with the gold, but if not, qualify for the Olympics.”

Joseph, who averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists for Texas last season as a freshman. He was a surprise choice for the second of two Spurs No. 1 draft picks at No. 29 after being pegged by most draft analysts as a likely second-round selection.

The Canadian team will begin its competition with two exhibition games against Belgium later this week. 

The international play can only help Joseph, who will benefit from playing against the international level of talent he will face at the FIBAs. That work should also help him develop as he attempts to earn playing time as a rookie behind Tony Parker at point guard for the Spurs once the lockout ends.

The Spurs need somebody to fill in behind Parker. The trade of George Hill and Chris Quinn’s decision to play in Russia have left them with a void.

Joseph will have a chance for playing time in his rookie season if he’s ready for it.