Three years ago, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves lost his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, after she passed away due to health complications related to Covid-19. Jaqueline's untimely passing was one of seven deaths in Karl-Anthony Towns' family within seven months. Although the string of tragic events placed a heavy burden on Towns' shoulders, he responded by keeping his mother's legacy alive with a $100,000 donation to the Mayo Clinic for Covid-19 research and a commitment to the World Federation of Youth Clubs as a global ambassador.
This Fall, Karl-Anthony Towns will once again suit up for the country of his mother's birthplace in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 3-Time NBA All-Star has represented the Dominican Republic since 2012 when his college coach, John Calipari, led the DR to a fourth-place finish.
He announced his commitment during a recent trip back home to the island. "What's going on?" He said. "I'm very proud to say that I will be suiting up to represent my Dominican Republic colors again. This has always been bigger than a sport, 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 over there in the Philippines."
Towns will be joined by Al Horford (of the Boston Celtics) and Chris Duarte (of the Sacramento Kings). The Dominican Republic currently ranks #13 in FIBA's power rankings, which is the second-highest amongst all Latin American teams, behind Brazil (#10). The international tournament, featuring 32 teams, will take place in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, starting on August 25th.
Source: Marca
