Anderson is looking to help China achieve its goals in the FIBA World Cup.
Newly naturalized Chinese citizen Kyle Anderson has made his official debut for the Chinese national basketball team during the Trentino Cup in Italy on Sunday.
Having acquired Chinese citizenship just last month, Anderson was brought into the game by coach Aleksandar Dordevic towards the end of the opening quarter.
There, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward made his presence felt right away after scoring an easy basket.
Anderson’s debut, however, could not help prevent China absorbing a loss at the hands of Italy, 79-61.
During his 20 minutes of play, the 29-year-old Anderson finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds on an impressive 50% shooting.
Anderson, who goes by the Chinese name Li Kaier, was spotted training with the national team back in August 3. However, he sat out China’s 86-66 win over Cape Verde on Friday.
Anderson's rejuvenated connection to China dates back to 2018 when the 6-foot-9 forward traveled to Shenzen, Guangdong to visit his great grandfather's relatives and rediscover his Chinese roots.
With just a few weeks left before the FIBA World Cup, China will look to build more chemistry with the Wolves forward.
Like Gilas Pilipinas, the Chinese national team has its eyes on finishing in FIBA's flagship tournament as the best Asian team, which would be rewarded with an outright Olympic spot for Paris in 2024.
(GM)