Dominican Republic includes Karl Anthony Towns, Al Horford in FIBA World Cup pool

A number of global stars could be standing in Gilas Pilipinas' way in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the Dominican Republic, the country's first assignment in the tournament in August, will be bannered by NBA players.

World no. 23 Dominican Republic has included Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl Anthony Towns and Boston Celtics veteran Al Horford in its extended roster.

Also making up the 29-man pool are Sacramento Kings' Chris Duarte and Dominican Republic's mainstays Victor Liz and Gelvis Solano, both of whom led the country during the World Cup qualifiers.

Dominican Republic's extended roster is full of marquee names ????#FIBAWC x #WinForDominicana ???????? pic.twitter.com/a1kBBqt4yA

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) July 26, 2023

Towns last donned his country's colors in 2013, when he suited up during the FIBA Americas Championship for Men. He also joined the national team during the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Horford, meanwhile, last played for Dominican Republic in 2012, playing both in the OQT and in Centrobasket Championship for Men, where he averaged 17.2 points and 10 rebounds.

With Towns and Horford possibly bannering Dominican Republic, Gilas Pilipinas will have a tall task ahead as the Philippines is bunched in Group A with them alongside Italy and Angola.

Gilas, ranked no. 40 in the world, will take on the Dominican Republic on the opening day at the Philippine Arena on August 25 before facing Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News