Dennis Rodman travelled for a number of times to North Korea, the Asian country criticized for its military government. He went there on February last year to host an exhibition hoops game and met Pres. Kim Jong-un, whom he said is a "friend for life." He even suggested that US President should call his North Korean counterpart since they are both basketball fans.

Last month, the 7× NBA rebounding champion went back to the East Asian nation but did not meet Kim. Instead, he was there for what he calls a "basketball diplomacy." He was there to train the North Korea national basketball team and finalize a basketball pick up game that will involve some of the NBA's former players.

On Sunday, he named the former players who will come with him to North Korea for the show. The NBA All-Stars will be composed of Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson, Vin Baker, Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, and Charles D. Smith. These guys will be battling the North Korea Nat'l Team on Wednesday, which is Kim Jong-un's birthday.

"Dennis and I are total opposites but we work very well together," said 48-year old Smith who played in the NBA for more than one decade. "Dennis is one of the few people I know that doesn't just talk but actually lives a culturally diverse life. We have traveled everywhere together so I was not surprised with his first visit to North Korea.

"Cultural exchange is about sharing. Sharing ideas and thoughts on education, culture and life."

Although highly criticized, Rodman said that his travels to the military country is all about giving back and making his fans from other parts of the world feel appreciated.

"My previous travels have allowed me to feel the enthusiasm and warmth of fans," Rodman said.

"The positive memories and smiles on the faces of the children and families are a testament to the great efforts we have put into fulfilling our mission wherever we go voiding any politics. We are all looking forward to arriving in Pyongyang, meeting the citizens, visiting various charities and using the opportunity to develop new relationships that result in our annual return."