“It is only after the second trip that Anderson may start travelling with his new identity and using his Chinese documents,” the source said.
Kyle Anderson signed posters for fans during his last visit to China. Photo: Handout
The China team are training in Europe preparing for next month’s Fiba World Cup in the Philippines, and Dordevic openly praised the 30-year-old forward before leaving for Slovenia.
“Anderson is a very valuable player, and he certainly can help the team,” the Serbian said. “If he can complete the process on time, he will join the team as soon as possible.”
However, with the naturalisation process still not finished, Anderson may only have one warm-up game with his new team, against Serbia on August 20 in Shenzhen, before the World Cup tips off five days later.
“Judging from where we are at with the process, I’d say the timing of Anderson’s first game with China is reasonable,” the source said.
Before their final warm-up game against Serbia, China will first play Slovenia on July 25. The eight-time Asian Games champions will then play a mini-tournament against Cape Verde, Turkey and hosts Italy in the first week of August, before another mini-tournament featuring hosts Germany, Canada and New Zealand a week later.
China, who are playing in the World Cup for the 10th time, will face Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico in Group B.
The showpiece event of international basketball, which will be held in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, runs from August 25 to September 10.
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