Everything Timberwolves fans should know about the FIBA World Cup

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Anthony Edwards #10 of the United States throws autographed balls to fans after a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Kyle Anderson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Roberto Finizio/Getty Images) /

Group B – Kyle Anderson

Recently obtaining Chinese nationality, Kyle Anderson was granted permission to play for China at the World Cup due to his family’s Chinese heritage. He will be competing at the WC under his Chinese name, Li Kaier.

Although they dominated in the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year, the friendlies weren’t so easy for China, with most players having almost zero international experience. China resorted to basically playing through Kyle and Zhou Qi, a seven-foot center who used to play for the Houston Rockets.

Having lost to Serbia in their last exhibition game, China still has a good chance of making it through the second round. They will have a must-win game against South Sudan, with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Wenyen Gabriel leading the way, along with former NBA player Luol Deng coaching on the sideline as well.

As for China’s schedule, they’ll open up playing against a Jokić-less Serbia on of August 26 (8:00 am EST). From there, they will meet with South Sudan on August 28 (4:00 am EST) and end the group stage against Puerto Rico on August 30 (8:00 am EST).

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