By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After Pau Gasol and Luis Scola, another legendary International player becomes the third 2023 FIBA World Cup Global Ambassador: the former New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony.
Here’s the full FIBA announcement on Carmelo Anthony becoming the Global Ambassador for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will tip off on August 25 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia:
“Joining the recently announced Argentina superstar Luis Scola and Spain legend Pau Gasol as Global Ambassadors, Carmelo Anthony will help promote the World Cup and take part in activities in the buildup to FIBA’s flagship men’s competition.
“I’ve proudly represented the USA on the world’s largest stages, and the World Cup is the toughest competition in international basketball,” Carmelo 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.”
A three-time Olympic gold medalist, a select on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and currently ranked Top 10 on the NBA All-Time Scoring List, Carmelo has led a storied career. At the 2006 World Cup in Japan, Carmelo put on a dynamic, high-scoring display when he led the American team to the podium with a third-place finish and claimed a spot in the All-Star Five.
He averaged 19.9 points per game and poured in 35 of the USA’s points in their come-from-behind 94-85 triumph over Italy in the Group Phase. That performance triggered a three-game run, all-American wins, in which Carmelo buried 12 of 20 attempts from three-point range. Even in their only loss in the competition, a 101-95 Semi-Final defeat to Greece, Carmelo had a game-high 27 points.
The Olympic stage was also where Carmelo shone for the USA as he helped the national team to three undefeated gold medal runs in 2008, 2012, and 2016, and also a bronze medal in 2004. In the U.S. Olympic men’s career record book, he currently is second in the all-time scoring list with 336 points scored, 113 field goals made, 262 field goals attempted, 125 rebounds, 139 3-point field goals attempted, and 71 free throws attempted. Carmelo is also second all-time in three-point field goals made with 57.
Bursting onto the scene in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games at age 20, playing in the 2006 World Cup, and then winning the FIBA AmeriCup in 2007, Carmelo is assured of legendary status in the USA and in international basketball due to his career longevity, prolific scoring, and strong leadership qualities.
Carmelo will be in Manila on February 24 for the Philippines vs. Lebanon World Cup qualifier game of Window 6, soaking up the atmosphere that the Philippines are so famous for when it comes to basketball”.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball