Karl-Anthony Towns plans to play for Dominican Republic in FIBA World Cup 2023 / News - Basketnews.com

Karl-Anthony Towns wants to represent the Dominican Republic in FIBA World Cup 2023: "That would be fire. I'm trying to work that out right now."

Credit: FIBA, USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit FIBA, USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

It's been a long wait for fans of the Dominican Republic, but NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns is ready to put on the national team jersey again.

Karl-Anthony Towns

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'KAT' is planning on representing the country in FIBA World Cup 2023, when the Quisqueya competes at the tournament for the third straight edition.

"This summer, I want to go and play with the Dominican team," Towns said on The Ringer NBA Show podcast that's hosted by his Minnesota Timberwolves teammate, Austin Rivers.

"That would be cool. That would be fire. I'm trying to work that out right now," Towns added.

The last time the NBA star suited up for the Dominicans was in 2013, at the FIBA AmeriCup.

Since then, he has made big steps forward. Towns has matured into one of the finest big men in the Western Conference with Minnesota, the team that selected him first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

The Dominicans have been hoping for, and waiting on Towns to return. Many view him as the missing piece for the national team.

Even without Towns, the Dominican Republic has had memorable World Cup appearances. They advanced from the Group Phase at the 2014 event in Spain before falling to Slovenia in the Round of 16.

At the 2019 World Cup in China, the Dominican Republic beat Jordan and then stunned Germany to advance to the Second Round.

The team wrapped up a captivating Americas Qualifiers campaign for this year's World Cup in February, when it won games at Panama (93-67) and Argentina (79-75).

For his part, the 27-year-old Towns averages 20.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists a game this season. Minnesota (38-37) is currently seventh in the Western Conference and just one win behind the Golden State Warriors.

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