Timberwolves' Kyle Anderson To Represent China In FIBA World Cup As Naturalized Citizen

Photo: Instagram/Kyle Anderson

Kyle Anderson, the talented sixth man of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is set to join the Chinese national basketball team for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup.

This decision comes after it was revealed that Anderson's maternal great grandfather hailed from China, making him eligible to play for the country as a naturalized citizen. The announcement of Anderson's inclusion in the Chinese roster was made jointly by Anderson himself and the Chinese Basketball Association.

In a heartfelt message to his Chinese fans, Anderson, who also goes by the name Li Kai'er, expressed his joy and pride in representing China in the prestigious tournament. This declaration was shared with the public via his Weibo account.

Photo: Instagram/Kyle Anderson

China's coach, Aleksandar Djordjevic, had previously stated that he might consider adding players to the team, and Anderson's addition could prove to be a valuable asset. The Chinese squad had already assembled 18 players during their training camp last month.

During his first season with the Timberwolves, Anderson showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His performance on the court has garnered attention and earned him a place in the NBA after being drafted in the first round in 2014.

Having played two successful seasons at UCLA before joining the professional league, Anderson has proven himself as a capable and versatile player. China's World Cup journey will begin with a game against Serbia in the Philippines on August 26.

With Anderson now on board, the team aims to make a strong impression in the competition and compete at the highest level. His unique blend of skills and heritage makes him an intriguing addition to China's roster, and fans eagerly await his contributions on the international stage.

Read Next: Naoya Inoue Eager To Display Formidable Performance In Highly Anticipated Showdown Against Stephen Fulton

Source: NBA 

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