Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony is coming full circle after being named as one of many international ambassadors for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Anthony was introduced by FIBA as its latest ambassador on Friday and confronted members of the media within the presentation on the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s a full circle. I’ve been part of FIBA basketball since the early 2000s and to come back full circle now and be the ambassador for the World Cup is definitely an honor, it’s a blessing,” stated Anthony.
“It’s been a long time coming. but for me it’s about being able to bring nations together, bring people together, bring countries together through one common thing which is basketball.”
“I love to build [that] with the kids and the new generation and next generation, but also globally, internationally give a chance to make an imprint on the global diversity of basketball,” he added.
Anthony additionally relished being given the prospect to proceed the late Kobe Bryant’s legacy as ambassador. Bryant was an envoy of the World Cup again in 2019.
“I’m sure he would have definitely been here with me and watching games and hanging out in the Philippines and just enjoying himself. For me, I could continue part of his legacy but also establish what I have to establish from myself on a global scale,” he stated.
Melo on following the legacy of Kobe Bryant who was the #FIBAWC ambassador in 2019 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/WC0u1FVVtu
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) February 24, 2023
Anthony is among the FIBA World Cup ambassadors, alongside Luis Scola and Pau Gasol.
“I’m glad we’re not competing no more and we’re on the same side and representing the global game of basketball,” Anthony stated in jest. “Now we can band together like brothers and really grow this game of basketball the way it used to be.”
Melo on being one of many #FIBAWC international ambassdors alongside Luis Scola and Pau Gasol @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/d5k5ut6TqP
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) February 24, 2023
The Philippines will host the World Cup in August, alongside Japan and Indonesia.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
