Naismith Trophy helps bring back World Cup winning memories on visit to Sao Paulo

SAO PAULO (Brazil) – The country that has won the FIBA Basketball World Cup twice in its history, Brazil, was a stop on the Trophy Tour presented by J9.

With this year’s 32-team World Cup tipping off on on August 25, Brazil will compete in Jakarta in the First Round against Spain, Iran and Cote d’Ivoire.

Adding to the anticipation and excitement for Brazil fans, the coveted Naismith Trophy was displayed at well known locations in Sao Paulo, and also shown on television.

Oca di Iberapuera is was made in the shape of indigenous huts.

On the first day of its visit, it was photographed at Sao Paulo’s Oca di Iberapuera in Iberapuera Park, an exhibition space with unique architecture.

The trophy was also photographed at the 72-meter high Sao Paulo Obelisk (below), a symbol of the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932, and the biggest monument in the city.

The trophy in front of the 72-meter high Sao Paulo Obelisk

The trophy ended up on Paulista Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Sao Paulo.

One of the city’s most important avenues, there are significant landmarks along the central section, including the Museum of Modern Art.

You can also find an antiques fair, numerous artists, singers and painters.

Trophy on Paulista Avenue, in front of the Museum of Modern Art

The trophy also made an appearance at Centauro Arena, where a celebration was held to mark the 60th anniversary of Brazil winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the second time in a row.

Among those invited to the celebration were eight players from 1963, including two FIBA Hall of Famers – Amaury Pasos and Wlamir Marques.

Brazil’s Alessandra Santos de Oliveira (pictured below), who won the FIBA Basketball World Cup for Women in 1994, was also present.

Also in attendance at the celebration was Brazil Basketball Confederation president, Guy Peixoto Jr.

On the second day, the trophy was displayed at the Arena Centauro (below). 

Members of the public, many of them basketball players, gathered to take a photo with the biggest prize in international basketball.

The trophy was also put on display at the Ibirapuera basketball court.

Television coverage of the Naismith Trophy’s visit was offered by CNN, ESPN Brazil, TV Brazil and TV Bandieres.

FIBA