By MARK REY MONTEJO

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony is set to return to Manila this week for the presentation of the Naismith Trophy in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The retired cager announced this on social media on Tuesday, Sept. 5, where he will join fellow legends Pau Gasol and Luis Scola.

“Heading to Manila this week to see who’s going to bring the Naismith Trophy!” Anthony wrote.

Serving as one of the global ambassadors of the tournament, Anthony made its last trip to the country last February.

Anthony, 39, is a 10-time NBA All-Star who also played for Team USA in the World Cup way back in 2006 with fellow superstars LeBron James, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.

Also in that team were Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier, Elton Brand, Kirk Hinrich, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson and Brad Miller while Mike Krzyzewski was their head coach.

The squad eventually finished at third after bowing to eventual silver medalist Greece, 101-95, in the semis held in Saitama, Japan.

Anthony wrapped up his professional career ranking ninth in the scoring list with 28,289 points along with a myriad of accolades that include three gold and one bronze medal in the Olympics, one gold medal in the Americas Cup and a bronze in the 2006 FIBA World Cup in Brazil.