Karl-Anthony Towns formally declared that he is set to fly to the Philippines to represent the Dominican Republic in the FIBA Basketball World Cup from 25 August to 10 September.
In a social post, the Minnesota Timberwolves big man confirmed that he will be part of the Dominican squad that will shoot for glory in the prestigious 32-nation tournament.
Together with fellow National Basketball Association players in Chris Duarte of the Sacramento Kings and Al Horford of the Boston Celtics, the 27-year-old Towns is part of the extended roster that the Dominicans released last week.
His participation, however, remained blurry until Towns formally made the announcement, saying that there are some “big, big news.”
“What’s up everyone? I’m checking in real quick with some big, big news. I’m so proud to be saying that I’ll be suiting up and representing my roots, the Dominican Republic, again,” Towns, whose mother in the late Jacqueline Cruz is a pure Dominican, said.
“It’s always bigger than the game — representing my mother’s country, my country, the Dominican Republic.”
He added that he couldn’t wait to make the trip to Manila to help the Dominicans in the group phase where they will face the Philippines, Angola and Italy in Pool A.
Should they advance, they will mix it up with Pool B against teams like China, Puerto Rico, South Sudan and powerhouse Serbia.
“I can’t wait to go suit up again, put that jersey on and play some amazing FIBA World Cup basketball. I’ll see you on the court. I’ll see you over there in the Philippines.”
The last time that Towns donned the Dominicans’ jersey was during the FIBA AmeriCup in 2013 — a year before playing for the Kentucky Wildcats in the Division I of the US National Collegiate Athletic Association.
With Towns — and possibly Duarte and Horford — on board, the Dominican Republic is tipped to emerge as a title contender.
After all, Lester Quinones of the Golden State Warriors had also joined their training camp and is expected to make the final cut.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“I’m excited to do it, to be here representing my mom, my family. I’m very excited.”
