A “state-of-the-art” basketball facility is coming to the Dominican Republic, courtesy of Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Timberwolves all-star big man announced Thursday he is partnering with GO Ministries and World Youth Clubs on the project. The plan is to build the facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic. It will feature a full-sized arena, along with a training room, a classroom and a community meeting space “to host workshops and events that support holistic youth development.”

The connection to the Dominican Republic, the home nation of his late mother, Jacqueline, has always been of the utmost importance to Towns, who represented the nation at the 2023 World Championships. He has played for the Dominican team in FIBA competitions since he was 15 years old.

“I am excited to partner with GO Ministries/WYC to create a facility where kids can play basketball and provide a platform to learn life skills, build character, and pursue their dreams,” Towns said in a statement. “The Dominican Republic has given me so much, and this is my way of giving back.”

— Jace Frederick

Former Timberwolves guard Rose retires

Derrick Rose’s last act as an NBA player came in the form of a letter to the game of basketball, addressing the highs and lows that he experienced over a 16-year pro career.

Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls and the league’s MVP in 2011, announced his retirement on Thursday. He was, and still is, the youngest MVP winner in NBA history, claiming that award when he was just 22.

“You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,” Rose wrote as part of his letter to the game, serving as his retirement announcement. He posted the letter online, as well as taking out full-page newspaper advertisements in each of the cities where he played in his NBA years.

“You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me,” he wrote.

Briefly

Golf >> The Americans swept the first day of fourballs matches and lead 5-0 in the President’s Cup at Royal Montreal behind a feisty Scottie Scheffler, late heroics from Xander Schauffele and plenty of help from the putting-challenged International team.

Baseball >> Clayton Kershaw is hopeful he can pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, although his stubborn toe injury has still not healed.

baseball >> Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will go to trial on charges that he sexually abused a minor, a judge in the Dominican Republic said on Thursday.

Baseball >> A Florida man’s lawsuit has temporarily stopped Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball from being sold at auction after saying it was stolen from him moments after he secured it.

Hockey >> Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson is likely to miss the start of the regular season after undergoing an appendectomy.

— From news services