Frances Tiafoe, and Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend Cordae to feature in 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Frances Tiafoe is set to make his debut on the basketball court at the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

On Wednesday, February 8, Tiafoe was announced as one of the celebrities selected to feature in Team Dwayne Wade in the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, to be held on February 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously, only two tennis players – Eugenie Bouchard and Milos Raonic – have made the cut. They represented Canada during the 2016 event.

Speaking about the exciting news, the World No. 14 revealed that he had received the confirmation “a little while ago” and had already commenced his preparations for the grand event. The American conveyed that being chosen to present himself on such a big stage as the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game was an honor.

“It’s awesome, it’s awesome,” the 25-year-old said as per ATP Tour “Heard the news a little while ago but [it's] going public now, so I’ve just been trying to gear up for it and get ready. It’s an honor man, it’s an honor,” he said.

Tiafoe, an avid basketball fan, expressed his excitement to be a part of the event.

“I still didn’t really know until I got that email, but once I got that email that ‘You’re going to All Star’ I was like, ‘This is crazy!’” the tennis player revealed.

The 2022 US Open semifinalist stated that his rise in popularity, which scored him a place at the NBA event, wasn’t only due to his outstanding achievements in tennis – which included conquering Rafael Nadal at the US Open, defeating the Nadal-Federer duo at the Laver Cup and eventually winning the trophy, and his latest Team USA triumph at the 2023 United Cup. Tiafoe was of the opinion that his appealing personality and the fact that he was representing African-Americans on the big stages was a major factor.

“I feel like it’s a big crossover. A lot of people have taken interest in me, a lot of people are following the game of tennis who usually wouldn’t because, A, the personality I bring out there on court and how I am, and being a person of colour. It’s touching a lot of people and I’m just happy,” he noted.

Interestingly, Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend – rapper – Cordae is also expected to feature in the game. The soon-to-be dad, however, will represent opponent team - Ryan Smith.

Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend – rapper – Cordae instagram stories

"Ima try my best to not embarrass my family," he joked.

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"I can't dunk" – Frances Tiafoe talks about his basketball skills ahead of NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Frances Tiafoe at 2023 Australian Open

Frances Tiafoe, who is currently contesting the Dallas Open where he is through to the quarterfinals, made an honest revelation about his basketball skills, confessing that he wasn’t skilled at making dunks and was too focused on playing tennis during his early years. He, however, gave himself credit for trying and grasping the techniques well.

“I can’t dunk. I can’t dunk,” Tiafoe laughed “I started relatively from scratch. Growing up the only thing I really played was tennis. But I started picking it up pretty good. I’m pretty interested to see how it goes.”

The 25-year-old has been training for the event, but remarked that he was looking forward to having fun, more than anything else.

“I think [I will] just go out there and have fun. I mean I don’t want to look dumb, that’s why I’ve been training the past couple weeks,” he said as per ATP Tour.

The American reiterated that he was honored to be given such an opportunity and was thrilled to meet his idols.

“You meet so many cool people and people that I’ve been fans of forever. To see they want me there and call me a celebrity, I’m truly blessed and hopefully [it is] the first of many,” he added.

Frances Tiafoe on Instagram story recently