When the first ever NBA Africa game tips off in Johannesburg on 1 August, Spaniard Pau Gasol will be returning to a continent that has been part of his life.
If you ever wondered why the Chicago Bulls power forward has not hesitated to join the upcoming exhibition event, there are several reasons for his decision, and one of them has to do with his continued community engagement in Africa.
Over the course of the past few years, Africa has become a familiar territory for Pau, a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Champion.
And as UNICEF Spain Ambassador, in 2012 he has travelled the continent promoting education and helped combat malnutrition in the Sahel region.
Unsurprisingly, when the NBA Africa Game was announced the Spaniard reminded everyone that “the continent of Africa has a special meaning” for him through his foundation.
“When I heard about the NBA Africa Game I jumped at the chance to participate,” Pau said.
