Carmelo Anthony named as FIBA World Cup ambassador

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony will join Luis Scola and Pau Gasol as one of the global ambassadors for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Anthony was introduced as a World Cup envoy on Friday, hours ahead of Gilas Pilipinas' match against Lebanon in the final window of the Asian Qualifiers.

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Carmelo Anthony joins our star-studded lineup alongside Pau Gasol and Luis Scola as Global Ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup ????#FIBAWC x #WinForAll ???? pic.twitter.com/8fmucR1L4B

— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) February 24, 2023

"I've proudly represented the USA on the world's largest stages, and the World Cup is the toughest competition in international basketball," Anthony said.

"It's all about striking a perfect balance of personnel, talent and having that great chemistry. I'm looking forward to supporting all the players at the World Cup this year and celebrating the sport on a global scale."

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hosted Anthony in an introductory event on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Carmelo Anthony talks about the importance of the #FIBAWC in being a platform for global basketball talent @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/SMIKWgZafe

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) February 24, 2023

Prior to the announcement, Melo was also seen roaming in Manila and eating in a restaurant in Intramuros.

As a member of Team USA, Anthony has won three Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal. He was also part of the team that won the bronze in the 2006 World Championship.

As an NBA player, he played for six teams since joining the league in 2003. He last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. He was also named in the NBA 75th Anniversary team.

The Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia, will host the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News