MANILA, Philippines – Winning the Dubai International Basketball Championship is paramount for Strong Group Athletics, especially with the way it fell short of the crown last year.
And head coach Charles Tiu feels SGA has a “better chance” of accomplishing that goal this time as the team features a potent mix of formidable imports and reliable locals.
Spearheaded by four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins and former PBA ace Mikey Williams, SGA begins its campaign in the 10-team tournament against the UAE national team on Friday, January 24.
“I’m excited because I really feel this year, I think, we have a better chance,” said Tiu.
Last year, SGA — then led by former NBA star Dwight Howard and Gilas Pilipinas cornerstone Kevin Quiambao — came oh so close to replicating Mighty Sports Philippines’ title romp in 2020 when it reached the final only to lose to Al Riyadi on a heartbreaking buzzer-beater.
That experience, according to SGA holdover Andray Blatche, left a “bad taste in the mouth.”
So SGA brought out the big guns for its redemption bid, tapping Cousins, who is a two-time All-NBA Second Team member as well, and former NBA players Chris McCullough and Malachi Richardson as imports.
The local cast is also stacked, with Williams sharing backcourt responsibilities with Filipino-American playmaker Jason Brickman, Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso taking care of wing duties, and Ange Kouame bolstering the frontline.
“I think we have a really good group of local players, I think that is going to be a big difference for us,” said Tiu. “We’re a much better team this year. We just need to stay healthy first.”
“We have smart players, a good group of guys, and we should be ready for the tournament.”
After facing the UAE national team, SGA will tangle with Al-Nasr (UAE), Beirut First (Lebanon), and Amman United (Jordan) in Group A.
In Group B, Philippine squad Zamboanga Valientes will go up against the Tunisia national team, Sagesse SC (Lebanon), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and Sharjah SC (UAE). – Rappler.com
