As basketball continues to branch out to other countries of the world as one of the most international sports on the planet, next year’s FIBA World Cup will be lead by some familiar NBA faces.
With the 2019 World Cup being held in China, former Houston Rockets superstar Yao Ming was locked in as one of the ambassadors but it remained to be seen who would join him. Now we have an answer. According to a tweet sent out by FIBA Basketball, Kobe Bryant will also be a global ambassador for the 2019 World Cup.
He knows what you've been up to. @KobeBryant the #FIBAWC 2019 ? Global Ambassador is watching you! pic.twitter.com/GUOUYjbvie
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) October 31, 2018
Two of the most recognizable and marketable players to grace the NBA in recent years, both Kobe Bryant and Yao Ming will make fantastic ambassadors for the game of basketball in next year’s World Cup.
Not only are they known for how impressive they were during their playing days in the NBA, but both have an incredible following internationally. Of course, Ming hailing from China originally will help plenty but Kobe Bryant himself has emerged as an icon there as well.
Throughout his career, Kobe showed his appreciation for China, visiting frequently during various offseasons and even making China-based renderings of his signature sneaker. The upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup will only bolster both Kobe Bryant’s and Yao Ming’s status as living legends in China.
