FIBA World Cup ambassadors Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol coming to Manila

Basketball legends Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol are coming to the Philippines for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, for which they both serve as global ambassadors.

In a post on X, Anthony said he is heading to Manila to watch the games and see which team will be crowned as the new World Cup champion.

Heading to Manila this week to see who's going to bring home the Naismith Trophy! #FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/6V9pdlquQ0

— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) September 5, 2023

Anthony was already in the country in February, when he was unveiled as the third envoy following an illustrious basketball career that saw him play for various NBA teams like the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunders, and the Los Angeles Lakers as well as the Team USA.

As part of the national team, Anthony played a key role in the USA's gold medal runs in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics.

Gasol, on the other hand, is a key figure in the Spanish basketball scene.

The 7-foot-1 big man steered powerhouse Spain to the World Cup title in 2006 and a couple of silver and one bronze in the Olympics. In the NBA, Gasol proved to be one of the most dominant big men in his era, helping Lakers clinch back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 alongside the late Kobe Byrant.

Gasol's no. 16 jersey has also been retired by the Lakers. He's also inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently.

In a post by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the 43-year-old Gasol was announced to take part in a meet and greet activity with fans at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Get a chance to MEET & GREET one of FIBA's Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, Pau Gasol, at the FAN ZONE.

Program starts at 5 PM at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. Don't miss this rare opportunity to get up close with a basketball superstar! #FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/f2Zqk0UB5j

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) September 5, 2023

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News