Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony mentioned the Philippines has probably the greatest basketball fan bases on the planet and it is a crucial connection because the nation is about to host the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Anthony is among the world ambassadors of the World Cup, alongside Luis Scola and Pau Gasol, which can be held in August this yr.
“I do think that Filipino fans are one of the best fan bases in the world,” mentioned Anthony in a media presentation on Friday.
“I say that in a very genuine way because there’s not another place in the world where it’s just basketball, basketball, basketball. That’s what’s being preached from a little kid until you are an adult.”
Despite the strain skilled by the host group, Anthony mentioned the upcoming World Cup ought to be a showcase of Filipino expertise.
“It’s a little different when you are hosting the World Cup. There’s a different pressure that comes along with that,” Anthony mentioned.
“It’s not even about pressure, It’s about allowing the rest of the world to see how the Philippines does it and what they’re actually going out there playing for.”
For Anthony, internet hosting the World Cup ought to be a supply of pleasure for the nation.
“Win, lose, or draw, I think the Philippines should be proud they are hosting the World Cup. From that standpoint, that says a lot and that will also propel the Philippines down the line to continue developing basketball.”
The Philippines is among the hosts of the World Cup, together with Japan and Indonesia.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
