FILE–Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—The Dominican Republic may boast its own version of twin towers come the 2023 Fiba World Cup next month.
Despite several NBA stars begging off from competing in the international tournament, Dominican big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Al Horford were confirmed as part of the Fiba’s No.23-ranked country team’s pool.
Minnesota star Towns and Boston veteran Horford have a combined count of eight NBA All-Star game appearances and will be the main attractions in Group A, where host team Philippines is also grouped.
Towns posted norms of 20.8 points and 8.1 rebounds last season while Horford was a significant role player for Boston with 9.8 and 6.2.
Possibly joining the duo of paint presences for Dominican Republic is Sacramento Kings’ Chris Duarte.
Duarte made a name for himself in Indiana during the 2021 season, joining the conversation for league’s rookie of the year with 13.1 markers and 4.1 boards per game.
Also included in the Dominican Republic’s star-studded pool are mainstays Victor Liz and Gelvis Solano.
Along with Gilas Pilipinas, Dominicans are slotted with Angola and Italy in Group A.
Gilas Pilipinas will open its World Cup stint against the Dominican Republic at Philippine Arena on August 25.