Argentina’s basketball legend Luis Scola has been named as the global ambassador for the FIBA 2023 World Cup which is set to be co-hosted by the Philippines along with Japan and Indonesia in August 2023.
The world governing body for the sport made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 14, as the former NBA star joins Filipino local ambassadors Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and former Gilas Pilipinas members LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Larry Fonacier and Gary David in promoting next year’s biggest basketball spectacle
“I'm truly honored to be a World Cup Global Ambassador and to take on this new role," Scola said.
"I always wanted to represent Argentina, to sing the national anthem before games and to play alongside so many amazing players, and for great coaches. We always set out to win tournaments, but the most important thing was to give our best, to be good role models and to play for our country,” he added.
Scola, the World Cup's second all-time top scorer with 716 points, is one of the legends of the competition, appearing in five editions, and his mark of 41 games played is tied for first in the men's competition's history with Brazilian great Ubiratan Pereira Maciel.
"Being part of our Golden Generation with so many amazing players has also been a very special experience. To play every summer was also a priority because it helped me maintain my fitness for the following season. We had amazing victories. While there were some disappointing results, we won a lot more than we lost and learned many life lessons along the way,” said Scola.
"Maybe the biggest was that with perseverance, togetherness and a shared vision, a team can achieve more than is expected. If all players, all teams, take that approach next year, this is going to be another unforgettable World Cup across the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia."