Dirk Nowitzki was named global ambassador for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China. Nowitzki joins an elite list of brand ambassadors for the much-anticipated event, as he became the third basketballer after Chinese legend Yao Ming and NBA icon Kobe Bryant to be named an ambassador of the first-ever 32-team World Cup.

Nowitzki, who has had an illustrious playing career for Germany from 1999 to 2015, led Germany to a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup (formerly known as the World Championships). That was the greatest result for his country and was also Germany's only podium finish at the World Cup or Olympic Games. He finished the tournament as the top-scorer after grabbing an average of 24 points per game and was named the MVP of the tournament.

Subsequently, Nowitzki led Germany's run to the final of FIBA EuroBasket 2005 before his side went down fighting against Greece. He registered his best individual scoring performance for his country with 47 points in a group match against Angola at the 2006 World Cup in Japan.

Nowitzki also played a stellar role in ending Germany's 16-year absence from the Olympics as he spearheaded his side to a place at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and later, served as the flagbearer for the German Olympic delegation during the spectacular opening ceremony in the Chinese capital.

While playing at the NBA, he led the Dallas Mavericks to their first ever NBA championship and earned NBA Finals MVP honors in 2011.

He was quoted by Chinese news agency Xinhua, saying, "I'm very excited to become an ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. It's an honor to join Yao Ming and Kobe Bryant, some of my contemporaries and biggest rivals, in taking up this prestigious role."

"I have so many great memories of playing in basketball's top competitions. Wearing the national team jersey and representing my country in FIBA competitions have always been a source of immense pride for me."

The German basketball player will help promote the World Cup by taking part in activities on the Road to China 2019 as well as being present at the competition.

"Dirk has consistently held a leading role at top FIBA national team competitions, representing Germany with pride and commitment. He is among the very best players in the history of international basketball and we're thrilled to have him be a part of the historic event that is China 2019," said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 will get underway in Chinese cities of Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Foshan and Dongguan from August 31 to September 15.

(With input from Xinhua)