Minnesota Timberwolves ahead Kyle Anderson will symbolize China on the FIBA World Cup, the participant mentioned on Monday after the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) introduced the American had obtained Chinese citizenship by way of naturalization.
The 29-year-old ahead from New York is the newest elite athlete to achieve Chinese nationality by way of naturalization and the primary basketball participant to take action.
“(Anderson) obtained Chinese nationality this morning and met Yao Ming, chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association,” the CBA mentioned in a put up on its official Weibo account.
Not lengthy after Anderson confirmed he would play for China on the FIBA World Cup that ideas off on Aug. 25 within the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
“I’m so happy to announce that I will be representing China at the World Cup,” mentioned Anderson in a video posted to his Weibo account.
“Really proud and honored to wear the team China jersey.”
The citizenship might additionally allow Anderson to symbolize China on the Olympic Games in Paris subsequent yr.
FIBA permits groups to have one naturalized participant on their roster. Chinese media reported Anderson’s maternal grandmother was born in Jamaica to a Chinese father and Jamaican mom.
China had beforehand introduced an 18-man squad for the World Cup, however FIBA mentioned the ultimate rosters can be confirmed solely after a technical assembly that’s set to happen earlier than the beginning of the match.
Other athletes who had been naturalized embrace a number of Brazilians who moved to China within the hopes of enjoying worldwide soccer.
Former Arsenal and Brentford midfielder Nico Yennaris, who was born in England, grew to become the primary overseas-born participant to be known as up for China’s nationwide crew in 2019.
At the time, the Chinese Super League was additionally the go-to vacation spot for soccer gamers searching for profitable contracts.
It is unclear if Anderson and the others have renounced their unique nationality. China has strict guidelines that often stop twin nationality for its residents.
—Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
