NBA legend Carmelo Anthony was recently unveiled as the latest global ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia in late August this year.
He arrived in Manila on Wednesday and was introduced to the local media at a press conference at Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Thursday. Anthony is one of the most prolific members of USA Basketball, having won three Olympic gold medals and one bronze. He also leads Team USA in scoring, rebounding, and games played.
At the presser, Anthony expressed his excitement after being named the third ambassador—after Luis Scola and Pau Gasol—for the prestigous basketball event.
“It’s a full circle. I’ve been a part of FIBA basketball since the early 2000s and to come back full circle now and be the ambassador for the World Cup, this is definitely an honor – it’s a blessing. It’s been a long time coming,” said Anthony.
“For me, it’s just about being able to build nations together, bring people together, and bring countries together through one common theme, which is basketball.”
During his stay in Manila, Anthony visited Rizal Park and Intramuros. He also made an appearance at the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers game between Gilas Pilipinas Men and Lebanon to present the Naismith Trophy.
Anthony is ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 28,289 points. He has played for six teams in the NBA: the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony is also part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Originally published on NBA Smart.
