ON April 18, 2018, exactly 500 days to the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, Son of Dreams was unveiled as the competition’s official mascot after fans voted in China and around the world.

The selection was the culmination of a unique process by FIBA. People all over the world were invited to submit their design proposals. These came through in their hundreds, with the number narrowed down to 10. On Jan. 23, a panel consisting of FIBA, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and professors from the Chinese Central Academy of Fine Art selected Son of Dreams, QiuQiu and Speed Tiger as the finalists during a Mascot Shortlist Ceremony at the Wanda Han Show Theater in Wuhan, China. Thereafter, fans were invited to vote for their favorite out of the three.

Son of Dreams is the embodiment of that drive. A young and determined spirit who not only has the ability to push his own physical capabilities, but also has the strength and character to empower those around him.

Born in China on Aug. 8, 2015, Son of Dreams’ magical horns give him the power to see into the future, envisioning plays and moves before they actually happen.

It is said that at his birth he was bestowed a pair of boots by the legendary Yao Ming. (FIBA)