BOSTON (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Abdel Nader has never hidden his intentions of contributing to the growth of Egypt basketball.

Whether it's by hosting basketball camps for the country's youth - something he's looking to do sooner rather than later - or playing for the nation which he and his family left when he was four to head to the USA, the Boston Celtics forward will do his part to show his gratitude to the northeast African territory. 

As the Egyptians look to secure one of the five tickets for African countries to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China through the Qualifiers, the Alexandria native reaffirms his willingness to wear the white-and-red jersey.

He revealed to FIBA.basketball that he has "spoken with one of the [national team] coaches" through his agent, adding: "I’m just waiting to see how my season pans out, then I'll make my choice."

With a 2-1 mark, Egypt currently sit second in Group C in the First Round of the African Qualifiers behind Angola and ahead of Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Under FIBA's New Competition System, the World Cup will directly qualify seven teams for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

From June 29 to July 1, Egypt will host the second-leg of Group C in Cairo.

With so many Egyptians using social media platforms and call on Nader to represent the country, the 24-year-old can no longer remain in silence.

"We'll see how the rest of the season goes. I’m thinking about it but I haven't made any decisions yet," the 6ft 6in (1.99m) forward explained.

Asked to elaborate on the prospect of playing for Egypt, Nader said: "Just being able to represent my country in that manner, especially for an Olympic qualifier would be amazing for me. It would mean a lot. I'm just waiting until the end of the season to make a decision."

Over the past few years, Egypt have been trying to return to their status as an African heavyweight, one that once dominated the game on the continent.

And the growing number of Egyptian players joining USA college basketball programs in recent years is a strong indication of the popularity the sport enjoys in the country.

Nader, who was named 2016 G-League Rookie of the Year, is following the developments.

"Basketball is growing around the whole world so hopefully Egypt can catch on that way and I think me being in the NBA will help to grow the fan base," the former Iowa State University standout pointed out. 

Asked if he feels support from his home country, Nader replied: "Yeah definitely, I constantly have people on Instagram, Facebook, all social media, always hitting me up, talking about how they're proud of me, stuff like that."

FIBA