11 international basketball stars in the Philippines for FIBA World Cup 2023

Retired basketball star Dirk Nowitzki is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards to ever play on the court. Born on June 19, 1978, in Würzburg, West Germany, the hoop icon began playing basketball at a young age. 

In 1998, Nowitzki was selected as the 9th overall pick during the 1998 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks where the player spent the next 21 years of his NBA career. As of writing, he is a 14-time NBA All-Star, a league MVP (2007), and a 12-time All-NBA team selection. 

Nowitzki officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on April 9, 2019.

Retired basketball star Yao Ming arrived in the Philippines on April 28, 2023. Born in Shanghai, China, he was selected as the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA draft. 

Known for his exceptional 7 feet and six inches height, agility, and skill, Yao Ming could score both in the paint and from mid-range. His presence in the NBA arguably helped bridge the gap between American and international basketball.

More from Tatler: Why are Filipinos so excited about FIBA?

Argentine basketball player Luis Scola has had a successful career both in international competitions and the NBA. Born on April 30, 1980, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the hoop star began his professional basketball career in the Argentine basketball league. 

Scola was a key player for the Argentine national basketball team and played a crucial role in the latter’s victory during the 2004 Athens Olympics. He entered the NBA in 2007 when he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the 56th overall pick. He was soon traded to the Houston Rockets where he gained recognition for his versatility in offense and rebounding. 

Basketball player and NBA coach Steve Kerr was born on September 27, 1965, in Beirut, Lebanon. He played college basketball at the University of Arizona and was known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability. 

Kerr has a 15-year career in the NBA, often playing as a guard for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers.

In an interview, Kerr expressed his happiness over the level of play and enthusiasm in basketball. “It is fun to be here,” he said. “I am very aware of the popularity of the game and it is wonderful to come here for the first time.”

Jordan Clarkson arrived in the Philippines on August 8. Speaking to reporters, the basketball star preempted that the Philippine team has a chance to win at least one game. “I think we got a good chance to do some things,” he said in an interview. 

Clarkson is known for his scoring prowess and shooting guard. He has dual citizenship (Filipino and American) and has represented the Philippines in international competitions. Throughout his NBA career, the player was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for 2020-2021 while playing for the Utah Jazz.

Related: Meet this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Competition champion: Mac McClung

Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra arrived in the Philippines along with the US NBA team on August 22. Spoelstra is of Filipino and Dutch descent; he began his career in the NBA as a video coordinator and scout for the Miami Heat in 1995. In 2008, he became the first Asian-American head coach in NBA history.

“This has been a dream of mine to be a part of the USA Basketball program for so many years and then for the World Cup to be in Manila,” he said in an interview. “I have great pride in being an American, and I have great pride in my heritage, being Filipino as well. . .I’m just really excited that the entire program will be able to see the enthusiasm, the spirit and the fan base for the game in Manila.”

Often referred to as “The Greek Freak,” Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected as the 15th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA draft. Known for his unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. He can play multiple positions on the court and is known for his ability to handle the ball, drive to the basket, and defend effectively.

Kyle Anderson, whom his fans fondly call “Slow-Mo”, began his basketball career in his college UCLA Bruins. He was declared for the 2014 NBA draft and was eventually selected as the 30th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs.

Anderson is known for his exceptional passing, basketball IQ, and deliberate pace. In July 2018, he signed an offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Australian basketball star Xavier Cooks is noted for his skills to handle the ball, pass, rebound, and defend effectively. After his college career at Winthrop University, Cooks pursued a career in international leagues including the NBA and the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). 

See also: Forbes List: 10 of the Richest Basketball Players This 2021

Brazilian basketball player Raul Neto developed his skills in Brazilian youth leagues. He began his professional career in Brazil after being declared for the 2013 NBA draft. The player was selected as the 47th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks; however, his draft rights were traded to the Utah Jazz where he eventually signed and made his NBA debut. 

Neto played for the Utah Jazz from 2015 to 2019 and served as a backup point guard. In 2019, he signed with the Washington Wizards where he continued to play as a guard and provided depth to the team’s backcourt.

NOW READ

Basketball Star JC Intal On His Foray Into The Philippine Art Scene

Basketball Superstar Jeremy Lin Champions Equitable Access to Education and Opportunities

UP Wins Men’s Basketball Championship 2022 After More Than Three Decades