By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Karl-Anthony Towns has firmly declared he is to play for the Dominican Republic at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The star big man of the Minnesota Timberwolves posted a video message announcing his intent on Instagram.
“What’s up, everyone? I’m checking in real quick with some big, big, big news. I’m so proud to be saying I’ll be suiting up soon and representing my roots, the Dominican Republic, again.
It’s always been bigger than the game – representing my mother’s country, my country, the Dominican Republic.
I can’t wait to go suit up again, put that jersey on, and play some amazing FIBA World Cup basketball. I’ll see you on the court. I’ll see you over there in the Philippines,” Towns said.
He was recently included on a preliminary squad list for the Dominican Republic, so his statement will be reassuring to fans who are eager to watch him play for the national team for the first time since the FIBA AmeriCup 2013.
The good news is also that Lester Quinones, a player for the Golden State Warriors on a two-way contract with the Santa Cruz Warriors, has joined a national team training camp in the country.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’m excited to do it, to be here representing my mom, my family. I’m very excited.”
The Dominican Republic will play in Group A with the Philippines, Angola, and Italy. A top-two finish would put them up against the first two teams from Group B, which consists of China, Puerto Rico, Serbia, and South Sudan, in the Second Round.