“Swish” as shots go into the net, players screaming as they get back on defense, and smiles and laughs could be heard by the media as the Miami Heat practiced on Thursday and Friday. A National Basketball Association (NBA) team has been practicing right on FAU’s Boca Raton campus, and students may not even have known.

The Miami Heat came to FAU’s Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena from Tuesday to Friday for their 2026 training camp. This is their seventh time staying at FAU for training camp; the Heat initially started coming to FAU in 2000.

During the week, the Heat put together a series of scrimmages and shoot-arounds that were closed to the general public. Training Camp allows teams to prepare for their upcoming seasons, and the Heat were able to do that while staying extremely local. On Thursday & Friday, the University Press received access to attend a portion of Heat training camp.

Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was a new addition to the Miami Heat this offseason. This was his first training camp with the organization since leaving the Milwaukee Bucks after 13 years.

“It’s kind of hard; I’ve never been a part of something like this,” Antetokounmpo said to reporters on Wednesday. He went on to list the Heat legends of the past like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Alonzo Mourning. I just want to leave my mark. I want to know that I had great relations with my coaching staff, my teammates, and the fans. I think I did it with the team [Bucks] I played before, and I hope I can do it here too.”

According to the former MVP, the training camp at FAU has been a great start for him and the team. “It was everything I expected and more,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m having fun. Guys are competing. Guys are having fun. Guys are being together.”

The Heat’s other star player, Bam Adebayo, who scored 83 points last season, has been working with Antetokounmpo to increase their chemistry. On the second day of training camp at FAU, they faced off in a “one v one.” The battle was well fought between the two players as they went back and forth trading baskets.

“It’s a process, but we’re making each other better,” Adebayo said. “Not only going against each other, but being on each other’s team. Figuring out each other’s tendencies.”

FAU’s ties to the Miami Heat extend to their players, as well. Former FAU center Vladislav Goldin helped the program reach back-to-back March Madness tournaments, including the Final Four run. After going undrafted in 2025, Goldin signed a two-way contract with the Heat. Now, Goldin is in his second year in the NBA, and he’s ready to take a leap.

“I think this year [his playing] gives a lot more because now I understand how everything works,” Goldin said at the Heat’s media day. “I think taking a lot of mental stress off [from being a rookie] is very helpful.”

Bam Adebayo and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speak to reporters during the Heat’s final day of training camp on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. (Cadence Whitehouse )

Friday was the final day of Heat training camp before they fly to Canada to play against the Toronto Raptors in their first preseason game. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra spoke extensively about how great FAU has been for the Miami Heat.

“We love it. We love coming up here. We love where we stay. We get to be on the beach, see the ocean early in the morning. Everybody at FAU is super accommodating in terms of allowing us to be here,” Spolestra said.

Spoelstra also spoke about his gratitude for the FAU students, who changed their schedules to allow the Heat to occupy the campus.

“They change their schedules [for us], and I’m super grateful,” Spolestra said.

Spolestra praised FAU further, speaking about the court and general ambience of the facilities.

“This court is awesome. Optically, for photos and everything, it’s incredible,” Spoelstra said.

The players enjoy staying at FAU, too. Adebayo spoke to the media about how he loves the opportunity to train at the university.

“This is my seventh time at FAU. They’ve always treated us really well. There’s a lot I love about FAU. Obviously, we have a great place to stay; we wake up by the water,” said Adebayo. “We’re grateful for the opportunity.”

After a short stay at FAU for training camp and five preseason games, the Heat will begin their 2026 season on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Morgan Larkins is a Staff Writer for the University Press. For more information on this and other stories, email him at [email protected].

Mikai Datilus is the Sports Editor for the University Press. Email him at [email protected] or DM him on Instagram @mikaidat for more information on this and other stories.