Carmelo Anthony appreciates importance of basketball to Filipino fans amid World Cup hosting

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony said the Philippines has one of the best basketball fan bases in the world and it is an important connection as the country is set to host the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Anthony is one of the global ambassadors of the World Cup, alongside Luis Scola and Pau Gasol, which will be held in August this year.

"I do think that Filipino fans are one of the best fan bases in the world," said Anthony in a media presentation on Friday.

"I say that in a very genuine way because there's not another place in the world where it's just basketball, basketball, basketball. That's what's being preached from a little kid until you are an adult."

Despite the pressure experienced by the host team, Anthony said the upcoming World Cup should be a showcase of Filipino talent.

"It's a little different when you are hosting the World Cup. There's a different pressure that comes along with that," Anthony said.

"It’s not even about pressure, It’s about allowing the rest of the world to see how the Philippines does it and what they’re actually going out there playing for."

For Anthony, hosting the World Cup should be a source of pride for the country.

"Win, lose, or draw, I think the Philippines should be proud they are hosting the World Cup. From that standpoint, that says a lot and that will also propel the Philippines down the line to continue developing basketball."

The Philippines is one of the hosts of the World Cup, along with Japan and Indonesia.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News