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NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki arrives in Manila for FIBA World Cup draw


Dirk Nowitzki has landed in Manila ahead of his participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup draw.

The former Dallas Mavericks big man arrived in the country with two days left before the draw proper this Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

On Instagram, Thursday, Senator Sonny Angara shared a photo with the NBA legend upon his arrival.

"Welcome to the Philippines @swish41! You've got a lot of fans here," he said.

FIBA has earlier announced Nowitzki's involvement in the said event as he also sits as Central Board Member and Chair of the FIBA Players' Commission.

He will attend the draw alongside World Cup ambassador and fellow NBA icon Luis Scola of Argentina.

As a national team player, Nowitzki had represented his home team Germany many times in the past, suiting up in various international tournaments such as EuroBasket, FIBA World Championship, and the Olympics.

Nowitzki is also among the NBA players who played for just one club all throughout his career, playing for the Mavericks from 1998 until his retirement in 2019.

Germany is included in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they are slotted in Seed 3 alongside Greece, Italy, and Brazil while the Philippines is in Seed 1 with Spain, USA, and Australia.

The draw this Saturday will determine the final groupings for the global conclave next year to be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA Integrated News