In what could be a preview of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, basketball legends have started to converge here in the Philippines.
One of them is Dallas Mavericks' greatest player ever and 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Dirk Nowitzki.
A fan shared Dirk's arrival in Manila on Thursday, and the one-legged fadeaway originator was all smiles as he waved to fans. Nowitzki even granted some selfies.
Dirk is expected to represent Germany in the FIBA World Cup Draw happening this Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. In the last edition of the tournament, Germany did not advance to the knockout stage after finishing third in Group G. The European squad is seeking its first gold in the tournament. Germany's best finish was a bronze in 2002, with Nowitzki being named tournament MVP.
More basketball stars are anticipated to arrive in the country for the draw, including FIBA global ambassadors Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, and Luis Scola.
Aside from hoops royalties, multi-platinum and award-winning rapper Saweetie has also arrived in the Philippines for the FIBA World Cup draw. The "Best Friend" singer will perform in the event.
