MOA Globe turns to a 'ball' for 2023 FIBA World Cup

The iconic globe which welcomes visitors of the SM Mall of Asia turned into a giant 'ball' ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The said globe, which is also used for advertisements, was enclosed in what looks like a giant basketball ring while the screens of the globe show parts of what will form to be a big basketball from time to time.

The Facebook page of the SM Mall of Asia shared photos of the said globe on Friday.

The installation, which was unveiled this week, is one of the attractions for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup which will be hosted by the Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia.

Aside from the globe, the Mall of Asia will also host the basketball games at the Mall of Asia Arena from August 25 to September 10.

Eight teams, including Team USA, will play their group phase matches in the said venue, which will be followed by the final phase of the tournament.

The Naismith Trophy, the trophy being given to the World Cup champions, will also have a stop at the Mall of Asia this weekend as part of the Naismith Trophy Tour.

The Philippine men's national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas, meanwhile, will open their World Cup campaign on August 25 against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena, followed by their matches against Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News