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Timberwolves’ Kyle Anderson will play for CHINA at the FIBA World Cup after becoming a citizen because his great grandfather was originally from the country before moving to Jamaica
- Kyle Anderson’s maternal great grandfather was Chinese, making him eligible
- He was born in New York City and spent years growing up in nearby New Jersey
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Minnesota Timberwolves veteran forward Kyle Anderson is set to play for China in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup starting next month.
Anderson and the Chinese Basketball Association announced Anderson’s addition to the roster on Monday.
The New York born 29-year-old’s maternal great grandfather was actually from China before moving to Jamaica, thus allowing Anderson to become a Chinese citizen.
‘Hello, fans in China, this is Li Kai’er. I’m so happy to announce I will be representing China in the World Cup. Really proud and honored to wear the Team China jersey,’ Anderson said, using his Chinese name, in a video posted on his Weibo account.
China had 18 players in its training camp last month, but coach Aleksandar Djordjevic said at the time that he could add players.
Veteran F Kyle Anderson has announced that he will play for China in the FIBA World Cup
Before playing for the Timberwolves last year Anderson also played for the Spurs and Grizzlies
Anderson averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game in his first season with the Timberwolves.
During his nine-year career he has averaged seven points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
Before playing for Minnesota last season Anderson also suited up for the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies.
He was a first-round NBA draft pick in 2014 by the Spurs after playing two seasons at UCLA.
China begins World Cup group play with a game against Serbia in the Philippines on Aug. 26.
