The announcement comes ahead of the next round of qualifiers on the African continent due to run from November 30 to December 2.
Despite not playing at the World Cup due to varied reasons especially injuries, Bryant’s appointment isn’t a surprise given his popularity in the sport.
Bryant is the most followed NBA player in China and regularly visits the vast Asian country; he joins fellow former NBA player Yao Ming as Ambassadors of the upcoming tournament.
Kobe won five NBA titles all with the Lakers and collected two Olympic Gold medals with Team USA in his 20 year playing career.
Next year’s competition tips off on August 31 with USA as defending champions after winning back to back titles in 2010 and 2014.
For the first time in the competition’s history, Africa has five slots at the World Cup and Nigeria and Angola have sealed qualification.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
