The FIBA World Cup 2002 MVP reflects on the evolution of the game.
A lot can change in two decades. Just ask Dirk Nowitzki.
The basketball legend, who led Germany to a third place finish in the 2002 edition of the FIBA World Cup and was named MVP of the tournament, reflected on what has changed in the international game in the 21 years since.
"Where the game has gone the past 20 years has been so much fun to watch. It's crazy with the skill level now," he told FIBA.
"When I came in, there were a lot of 4s (power forwards) and 5s (centers) close to the basket, rebounding and muscling, and then I was part of the change, the early 2000s, when the game became more of a movement game again, less holding, less fouling."
For Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA title, the removal of one restriction really paved the way for European bigs to succeed in the NBA.
"They got rid of the hand checks in the NBA, and that really helped me and all the European skilled big men," Nowitzki added.
"They could play facing the basket, they could shoot, bring the ball up," Nowitzki elaborated. "And I think that's something that we've seen the last 20 years, the big men getting more and more skilled."
He's particularly interested in France's shining young star, the 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama.
"You got to be skilled, you got to be quick to the ball. You got to be long. It's scary how talented this kid is," Nowitzki said of Wenbanyama.
"Hopefully he can stay healthy. That's the only thing that can hold him back. I think everything else, I've heard he's got the work ethic, he's a smart kid, he wants to be great, he's putting in the work and we're all here to support him and see his full potential. We're all rooting for him. Hopefully his body holds up. Scary talent."
Who knows? Maybe the Philippines' Kai Sotto can join the big man party, too.
Nowitzki is in the Philippines as the players' representative to the FIBA Central Board. He will also be present for the FIBA World Cup draw happening tonight.
"I'm happy to be here," he said. "The World Cup is our biggest event that we have in FIBA basketball and it's always so well organized. It's basketball on the highest level, great countries competing."
The NBA legend seems to be enjoying his trip, even going on a side tour to Tagaytay.
Hope you enjoyed the kare-kare, Dirk!