China’s Kyle Anderson at the Fiba World Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kyle Anderson, who also goes by his Chinese name Li Kai-er, isn’t surprised by the tremendous showing of his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards in the Fiba World Cup.
Towns has been sensational in his first time representing the Dominican Republic after a decade as the Dominicans clinched a berth to the second round with a 2-0 record in Group A at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The same goes for Edwards, who averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists to help Team USA go 2-0 against New Zealand and Greece to advance in Group C at Mall of Asia Arena.
“They’re both monsters. I don’t think anybody in the world has anything for them so you expect those guys to go out there and do what they do,” Anderson told reporters after his 22-point effort went for naught as China went down to 0-2 in Group B with an 89-69 loss to South Sudan on Monday.
Towns emerged as the Top 4 statistical leader after posting 25.0 points and 10.5 rebounds to lead the Dominican Republic’s big wins over Gilas Pilipinas and Italy.
“That’s expected. That’s not anything new. I knew that he’s gonna come out here and destroy. That’s just the type of player he is and that’s what he does,” said Anderson, who obtained Chinese citizenship a month before the World Cup.
Besides Edwards and Towns, Anderson was also happy to see teammates Rudy Gobert of France, Nickeil Alexander-Walker of Canada, and Matteo Spagnolo of Italy play in the World Cup as the Wolves have an NBA-high six players playing in the tournament tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
China’s Kyle Anderson in the Fiba World Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
“Everybody’s playing really well. [I’m] super happy for them. I’m watching everybody’s game. Just rooting for my teammates,” Anderson said.
For Anderson, who had a scoreless debut in their 42-point loss to Serbia last Saturday, he wasn’t pleased with his performance as China fell to the brink of being relegated to the classification round with two losses in Group B before facing Puerto Rico (1-1) on Wednesday.
“Obviously, I struggled in the first game but just staying with it. Trying to watch the film and see where I can be effective and try a little bit better,” the NBA veteran said. “Just trying to find a rhythm, really. I wish that we would have come out with a win.”
“Not the results we wanted but we’re going to keep fighting and working until the end of the game and try to go ahead and prepare,” he added.
Amid China’s struggles, Anderson relished his experience of playing in the World Cup in front of an ecstatic Chinese crowd in Manila.
“It’s been an awesome experience. The coaches, the players, the staff, the support has been tremendous. Obviously, it’s been tough after two losses but still appreciate everything that comes with it and all the people supporting us, I’m trying to play hard for them,” he said.