Bulls' Pau Gasol To Play In First NBA Game In Africa
(CBS) Bulls big man Pau Gasol will be among those to play in the NBA's first ever game in Africa, an exhibition contest set for Aug. 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Gasol will play for Team World, which will a Team Africa that will be comprised of players born in Africa and second-generation African players.
"When I heard about the NBA Africa Game I jumped at the chance to participate," Gasol said in a statment. "The continent of Africa has a special meaning for me through my foundation. I look forward to putting on a great show for the fans and taking part in activities in the local community."
Joining Gasol on Team World will be his brother Marc, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Kenneth Faried, Marcus Smart, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic and Jeff Green. The Nets' Lionel Hollins will coach the team.
Team Africa will be comprised of Luol Deng, Al-Farouq Aminu, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nicolas batum, Bismack Biyombo, Boris Diaw, Gorgui Dieng, Festus Ezeli, Serge Ibaka and Luc Mbah a Moute. Ibaka won't play because of an injury. The Spurs' Gregg Popovich will coach the team.