World, I've been watching! You want the #FIBAWC 🏆? Come and get it in China. #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/QP4opTMeYi
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) October 31, 2018
Kobe Bryant is officially retired from the game of basketball but that only concerns his physical presence on the court.
Fiba on Wednesday announced that the future Hall of Famer has been chosen as the global ambassador for the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup, joining Yao Ming as the face of the competition.
“Growing up in Italy and spending many years visiting China, I have always appreciated the global impact that basketball has had on the positive development of young people,” said Bryant in Fiba’s press release.
Bryant, often regarded as one of the best of all time, won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
Expected of his new role, Bryant will help promote the World Cup, be present in the Road to China 2019 activities, and spend time during the competition itself.
The 2019 World Cup is also the first time in the competition’s history that 32 teams would compete for the trophy.
“We’re thrilled and honored to have a basketball and sporting legend of Kobe Bryant’s caliber join us in building up to next year’s World Cup,” said Fiba President Horacio Muratore.
“Kobe has proudly represented the USA on the world’s biggest stages, where he’s achieved the highest successes. As such, it’s only fitting to have him take on this role ahead of our biggest-ever competition,” Muratore added.
Bryant, who’s eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2021, hoped that his mere presence in the games would help motivate the players from the 32 participating countries.
“I’m honored FIBA has invited me to serve as an ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019,” said Bryant. “I hope my participation inspires and motivates the best players from the 32 participating teams to represent their respective country on the world’s biggest stage. I look forward to seeing who will lift the trophy next year.”
