Karl-Anthony Towns

Ananth Pandian

The Minnesota Timberwolves were well represented at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.&nbsp;

Tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Wolves had an NBA-high six players playing in the World Cup: Anthony Edwards (USA), Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic), Rudy Gobert (France), Kyle Anderson (China), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Canada) and Matteo Spagnolo (Italy).&nbsp;

Want to know how all six of the Wolves played in the World Cup? Here’s everything you need to know.

Taking place from Aug. 25 through Sept. 10, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is essentially a qualifying tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are 32 teams playing in the tournament: 12 from Europe, eight from Asia and Oceania, seven from the Americas and five from Africa. Those 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four for the First Round.&nbsp;

The winner of the tournament becomes the World Cup champion and will receive a gold medal. Silver (2nd place) and bronze (3rd place) medals will also be awarded.&nbsp;

The top seven teams by region will secure a berth for the Olympics: one team from Africa, two teams from the Americas, one team from Asia, two teams from Europe and one team from Oceania.&nbsp;&nbsp;

France has an automatic Olympic bid for 2024 because they are the host team. The other four remaining Olympic berths will be determined by Olympic qualifying tournaments in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the World Cup, Anthony Edwards and Team USA advanced all the way to the bronze medal game and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. USA however, lost 127-118 in overtime to Canada and finished fourth overall in the World Cup.

Read more about Edwards and Team USA here. 

In the World Cup, Edwards lead Team USA in scoring with 18.9 points (FG: 47.5%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 70%). He also averaged 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and a 1.1 steals in 26 minutes a game.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the World Cup: 

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Canada finished third in the World Cup and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

By beating USA to claim bronze, Canada won their first-ever FIBA medal in the country's history. This was also Canada's first international medal in basketball since their silver medal finish in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

In the World Cup, Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points (FG: 39.7%, 3PT: 38.5%), 2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and a steal in 21.9 minutes a game. Alexander-Walker also hit a total of 20 threes, which was the most by any bench player in the World Cup.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic went undefeated in the First Round of the World Cup but went 0-2 in the Second Round, which knocked them out of the tournament.

For the World Cup, Towns averaged 24.4 points (FG: 45.5%, 3PT: 39.4%), 8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29.6 minutes a game.

Here are the final results for Towns and the Dominican Republic in the World Cup:

Rudy Gobert and France closed out the World Cup with two wins in the Classification Round to finish 3-2 overall.

In the World Cup, Gobert averaged 10.8 points (FG: 66.7%), 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and 1.8 blocks in 23.9 minutes a game.

Here are the final results for Gobert and France in the World Cup:

Eligible for Chinese citizenship through his maternal great-grandfather, Kyle Anderson obtained Chinese nationality in July and represented China for the first time in the 2023 World Cup. His Chinese name of Li Kaier was featured on the back of his jersey.

In the World Cup, Anderson averaged 13 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a steal in 32.1 minutes. Anderson and China finished the World Cup with a record of 1-4.

Here are the final results for Anderson and China in the World Cup:

Picked 50th overall by the Timberwolves in the 2022 NBA Draft, Matteo Spagnolo is the third-youngest player to play for Italy’s senior team.

Italy made it to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup but lost to Edwards and Team USA. They ended up finishing eighth overall.

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Timberwolves at FIBA World Cup 2023: schedule, updated scores & more 

That’s how long Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined with a calf injury, which he suffered against the Washington Wizards in November 2022.&nbsp;

During his much-anticipated return on Wednesday, Towns came through with a clutch performance by calmly swishing two free-throws in the waning seconds of the game to give the Wolves a 125-124 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.&nbsp;

For Towns, the free-throws were the epitome of the saying, life’s like a movie.&nbsp;

“This is what movies is made of,” said Towns. “I come back. 2 free-throws. Don’t worry bout it. I got that.”&nbsp;

Here’s what else Towns had to say about his return:&nbsp;

“I missed them. Love. There’s been long days, longer nights but guess what, all I can think about was coming to Target Center and making it happen. I appreciate y’all.”&nbsp;

On if his return is just what he hoped for:&nbsp;

“This is what movies is made of. You come back, [52] games missing, sellout crowd, Target Center, and you get the ball with seven seconds left, no timeouts. You’ve got to make it. I mean, it doesn’t get better than that. To be able to come up big for my teammates is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Sitting on the sideline, I just want to be out there to help them and contribute to winning. I’m glad I was able to do that tonight.”&nbsp;

“Good, good! I honestly could tell you I didn’t know I played 26 [minutes], it felt like I played 35. I feel good, just being aggressive, trying to find my spots. I’m always not trying to step on toes, I’m just trying to be aggressive and assert myself into the game. I felt like I did that tonight even with shots not falling, my efficiency not being what it [usually] is. Just finding ways to help my teammates, which is draw attention, get easy layups for my teammates, help with doing all the little things. I’m just very happy that I was able to go out there and contribute in a big way.”&nbsp;

On his day:&nbsp;"Shout out to the fans. Just the love that they gave to me coming back, it truly helps and it really is appreciated. Sitting in the house for so many days, not being able to play basketball, only being able to watch the TV. It’s crazy.&nbsp;

“I’m just so happy that I’m in this spot where I am able to contribute. I felt the whole day, I didn’t feel really nervous. I felt like I belonged. I belong in this jersey. I earned the right and the moment to be in this jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“So, coming here, it felt like a normal gameday before I got hurt. Emotions are running high, I’m just so happy to be on the court. I’m excited to go back on the court. But for me, experience just kicked in. Just keeping my emotions in check. Truly appreciating the moment but not letting the moment overcome me. I felt prepared the whole day. I came out the gate looking very prepared.&nbsp; I have to shoutout my teammates, every single one, they were very patient with me.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The whole day I was feeling so blessed to know that I was going to put this jersey on and contribute to my team. Who would’ve thought, 7 seconds left, I get the ball, get fouled 3 seconds left you’re going to the free throw line for 2. Beautiful moment. Like I said, this is what movies are made of. Dreams are made of. I'm glad my movie had a good ending.”&nbsp;

On the huddle before the last Wolves’ play:&nbsp;

“Oh, I’m getting the ball. The game was over. I heard the [Hawks] from the bench say don’t let him go right, exactly when they said it, I went right. You got one helluva player in front of you like John Collins, you gotta have your best.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When we went back to the bench and they were reviewing it. Our bench said we were gonna get the 2 free throws. As soon as they told me that, me and Ant both looked at each other and said the same thing, 'Game’s over.' 2 free-throws for me? That’s game, set, match.”&nbsp;

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5 must-read quotes from Karl-Anthony Towns after return against Hawks

Thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, the lives of John Maro and Preston Hampton are now a little bit brighter.

Maro's story begins in January. He was playing in a basketball game for St. James in New Jersey, when all of sudden, he collapsed.

First responders were able to resuscitate him and Maro was quickly rushed to a local hospital. He has since recovered and is now back in school.

St. James is Towns' alma mater, which is why Wolves Season Members, Tom and Deb Taylor, reached out to Maro's family after hearing about his story through business associates. The Taylors then worked with the team and helped set up a meet-and-greet between Towns and Maro after the Wolves played the Nets on March 10.

Thanks to Towns, Maro also got to meet NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who was at the game.

Anthony Edwards meets 15-year-old cancer survivor, gives shoes & signed jersey

Like Maro, Preston Hampton also has a similar story of perseverance and resilience.

Hampton is a 15-year-old cancer survivor and it was his dream to meet one of his favorite players, Anthony Edwards.

The Dream Connection, which "provides once in a lifetime dreams for kids fighting life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses," helped Hampton's dream come true after the Wolves' victory over the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday.

Edwards spent some time with Hampton and his family, signed his Wolves jersey and gave him his game-worn shoes.

"Such an amazing night," said Hampton's mom Christina wrote on Instagram. "Thank you @theanthonyedwards_ for showing my boy love! We are so thankful for your time and kindness!"

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Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards greet teens with incredible stories

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Minneapolis-St. Paul – Minnesota Timberwolves Center Karl-Anthony Towns has been named as a board member of the newly-established National Basketball Social Justice Coalition. The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition will lead the NBA family’s efforts to advance equality and social justice.

Towns joins 14 other members on the Coalition’s board, comprised of NBA governors, NBA and NBPA executives, coaches and players. The two-time All-Star has been on the front lines advocating for social and racial justice, and his presence has been especially felt in the Twin Cities community throughout the summer. Despite his personal losses during the pandemic, Towns joined the press conference and rally in Minneapolis following the killing of George Floyd with Timberwolves Guard Josh Okogie in May, attended the George Floyd Memorial at the closing of the Timberwolves In-Market Program and attended various rallies throughout the country this summer.

Towns also participated in various Timberwolves team calls with local figures, including a Zoom conversation with Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to openly discuss how to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement and increase police accountability. He has been at the forefront, acting as an agent of change for social justice reform, encouraging healing within the community and serving as a source of hope for the future.

Most recently, the 24-year-old New Jersey native continued to support the Twin Cities community by attending the third Timberwolves and Lynx Pack the Vote community registration event in an effort to build a more equitable society, remove barriers and encourage all to exercise their right to vote.

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Karl-Anthony Towns Joins National Basketball Social Justice Coalition Board

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Karl-Anthony Towns - Wolves Rising Stars 2016 All-Star Infographic

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Karl-Anthony Towns Putting On Shoe Drive January 4-29

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Editor’s Note: Shortly after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns joined our Kyle Ratke for an exclusive Timberwolves.com interview. Check out their full conversation below.

KR: Was the first time you knew you were going No. 1 overall when Adam Silver called out your name?

KAT: Yeah, actually it was weird because as he walked down, he looked at me and nodded. And I thought, ‘ah, it must be a great sign’. And then it turned out to be a great sign.

KR: It would have been weird if he would have done that and you weren’t the pick, right?

KAT: (Laughs). Yeah, nod and then say someone else. Story of my life I guess.

KR: Wiggins, Rubio, LaVine. Is this a great fit for you, a young team on the rise? It almost seems like all the pieces fit the puzzle.

KAT: Yeah, I mean, I just think this team’s going to be very good and I can’t wait to see how we mature during the year.

KR: I know you’re basketball buff. When you watched the Finals, the Warriors are a team that was in a similar position not too long ago. They all came up together. This Wolves team isn’t that far off, is it?

KAT: I think that we’re very close. We’re very close to a postseason berth. As soon as we get everything together. (Last season) wasn’t a bad season because of bad play. I think it was a bad season because we were so young. It’s just a hard time to find everything together. Now we got everybody healthy, I think we’re going to go into the season very ready.

KR: We saw some of those Vines of you shooting three pointers before the draft. We didn’t see at as much at Kentucky because you didn’t have to, but is that something you think you can bring to the NBA?

KAT: I think I could help the team tremendously with that. But I also could be on the post and open up the game in many other ways. I think the perimeter shot from me would be excellent for our team because it opens it up for Andrew Wiggins who is one of the greatest slashers in the NBA and Zach LaVine who is also a high flier.

KR: I just talked to Larry Berger from USA Today and he told me what an incredible person you are off the court. Is that something that you really pride yourself on?

KAT: I think the biggest thing with me is that I just pride myself on being the best human being I can be. I just feel that if you’re the best human being, God will bless you with success. I think that every day and I do that in my everyday life, making sure I can be the best to people that I can.

KR: I heard that you’re taking classes at Kentucky next semester. What classes are they and how important is education to you? You don’t see that with a lot of guys. You go to the NBA and school is done for.

KAT: You know what, I just took some business-related classes, just to help me out and also get started on the kinesiology degree I want, and some anatomy classes as well.

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Q&A With Karl-Anthony Towns

The Minnesota Timberwolves tonight selected forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns from Kentucky with the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

Towns, a 6-11 forward/center, averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.26 blocks and 21.1 minutes in 39 games (all starts) for the Wildcats this past season and was named SEC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SEC. He shot 56.6 percent from the field, 81.3 percent from the free-throw line and recorded a team-best eight double-doubles. Towns was a Consensus Second Team All-American and was named NCAA Midwest Region Most Valuable Player after leading Kentucky to the Final Four. He scored a career-high 25 points, on 10-of-13 shooting, to lead the Wildcats past Notre Dame in the Elite Eight.

A native of Piscataway, New Jersey, Towns was a three time first-team All-State selection while playing for St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey. He was named Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year in 2014 after averaging 20.9 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.2 blocks and leading St. Joseph to a 30-2 record and a state title. Towns shot 66.1 percent from the field and 82.2 percent from the free-throw line as a senior. He made 127 three pointers over his three-year high school career.

The 19-year-old Towns has been a member of the Dominican Republic National Team since 2012 and averaged 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in FIBA play.

Minnesota still has the 31st and 36th overall picks in the 2015 NBA Draft.

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Timberwolves Select Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns with the First Overall Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft

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Karl‑Anthony Towns