Now that the mascot for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been unveiled, it is time to decide on its name.
It was announced that an online competition will be held to decide on how the mascot will be called through a press release on Thursday.
The winner of the event will get a prize and, perhaps more importantly, leave a legacy in a competition that hosts some of the biggest names in world basketball.
“This FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be a unique event, hosted for the first time by three nations, and we wanted a brand new concept for the mascot, not only to celebrate and entertain but also to carry a very important message in today’s world,” said Richard Carrion, Chairman of the Joint Management Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023
The newly-created mascot was the result of a team effort from three passionate fans from the 2023 tourney’s host nations: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
The trio, Caloy from the Philippines, Kota from Japan, and Dewi from Indonesia, met each other online and produced a symbol that not only pays homage to their home nations but also becomes a symbol of how basketball can become a unifying entity to people around the world.
Caloy, Kota, and Dewi wish to pay things forward. They would like to see their mascot receive a name from others who have as much passion for the sport as they have.
“This newly unveiled mascot is yet to be named as the three young designers wanted fans to be part of this exciting experience. Therefore, a naming competition is hosted on the official mascot page of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 website, until June 30, and those taking part can enter a draw to win an official Molten ball. So please participate and share your best ideas, it could go a long way,” read the statement.
The mascot represents one of the things that makes basketball special: the ability to grow each day. It is equipped with special features that will add to the tournament’s historic nature. Its uniqueness is something that the fans will love to see in the games.
It will then tour the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia next month once it receives its name.
“The mascot, which is in fact a robot, is programmed to be fun, friendly, and sporty. It has terrific dribbling skills and also has a supersonic dunk and will be promoting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 globally and sharing its love for basketball with as many people as possible in the lead-up to the event in 2023,” it continued.
“The mascot has also been designed to encourage fans to consider the environment and educate young generations about recycling through its built-in back hoop. The colors of the mascot represent each of the three host country’s national flags and fans will be happy to know that there is an LED face on the head of the mascot that allows it to communicate with millions of people in different languages.”
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will commence on August 25 next year. It will be the first time that three nations will host the seismic event. Spain is the defending champion after its 95-75 drubbing of Argentina in the 2019 edition that was hosted by China.
