The prestigious Naismith Trophy is destined to grace the hands of the triumphant champions at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila, the Philippines.
Among them, the renowned “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, a brilliant creation by the visionary graphic artist, Betty Willis, bedecked with shimmering neon lights, warmly accepted the Trophy for a truly memorable photoshoot.

In a stunning display, the word “Welcome” was artfully crafted from sparkling silver dollars. Beyond its glitzy reputation, Las Vegas has been a nurturing ground for the United States national team, hosting intense training camps and thrilling exhibition games over the years. As part of the Trophy Tour’s rendezvous in the city of lights, the esteemed USA coach, Steve Kerry, and his esteemed team, comprising Tyronn Lue, Erik Spoelstra, and Mark Few, captured a memorable moment at the Aria Resort and Casino on South Las Vegas Blvd.
On the second day of the Trophy Tour, an array of international basketball talent graced the event, featuring Paolo Banchero and Tyrese Halliburton from the USA, the rising star Kai Sotto from the Philippines, and Australia’s gifted Keanu Pinder, who mesmerized the crowds with their outstanding performance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).
While former NBA stars like Matt Barnes and Iman Shumpert shared their World Cup enthusiasm on their esteemed podcasts, Las Vegas fans reveled in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bask in the glory of international basketball’s most coveted prize. Iman Shumpert, through his heartfelt interactions, sparked an infectious passion for the sport among fans, engaging them in quizzes about basketball knowledge and the upcoming World Cup.
As the sun set over Las Vegas, the Naismith Trophy added yet another iconic destination to its cherished collection – the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio, gracefully dancing and shooting water as high as 460 feet in the air.
In the heart of the Entertainment Capital, the Trophy Tour transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, leaving basketball enthusiasts awaiting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila.