Generation

Dwight Howard and co. fly to Dubai Wednesday evening

by Bryan Gadingan

PUBLISHED ON January 17, 2024

DWIGHT Howard and the rest of the Strong Group Athletics cast are due to fly to Dubai this evening at 11:30pm tonight for the highly anticipated 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championships.

Following weeks of excitement, previous 2020 NBA Champion and eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard will finally get a taste of action while representing the Philippines in the tournament, which begins on Friday (Jan. 19).

Before heading to Dubai, SGA had one tune-up match against PBA’s Converge FiberXers, which they won 97-64, completing their preparation for the upcoming tournament.

Photo Courtesy: Strong Group Athletics | Facebook

Meanwhile, SGA head coach Charles Tiu, who has a number of high-profile recruits to both his squad and his staff, is pleased with what he’s seen from a great group of guys with no complaints.

“I like the team so far. What we’ve been seeing is that we have a great group of guys.

Nobody complains. you know, not even Dwight [Howard], he listens to everything we’ve asked. And I’m so happy to have Coach Brian [Goorjian] here to help me out,” Tiu remarked.

Apart from the deep talent and NBA pedigree, Howard and former Gilas Pilipinas star Andray Blatche bring a ‘good influence’ to a youthful roster of college hotshots.

“They’re really good. You know, they’re the two loudest players on the court. We always talk about communicating and Dwight’s been so great, so vocal,” he remarked of Howard.

“Same thing with Andray. He’s somebody who right now is more of that veteran leader role. He’s matured so much, so different. So he’s always guiding and helping the other guys,” Tiu added.

Photo Courtesy: Strong Group Athletics | Facebook

Tiu expressed his gratitude for having NBA-caliber players like Howard, Blatche, and Andre Roberson. Having such guys alleviates the burden on any team’s shoulders.

“They’re a big plus to our team and really a big weight off my shoulder. You know, when talked to Dwight, when we signed him, a lot of people were saying he’s gonna give so much problems.”

“But he hasn’t given us any problem. He’s been really supportive at what we’ve been doing,” he added.

Despite having a star-studded squad that many believe might bring home the gold medal, Strong Group Athletics may have to gird themselves for strong opponents in Dubai.

Strong Group Athletics will compete in Group B against UAE National Team on January 19 (11:15pm), Al Wahda on January 20 (9:15pm), Homenetmen on January 21 (11:15pm), Beirut on January 23 (1:15am), and Al Ahly Tri on January 24 (1:15am).

Howard, who previously played in Taiwan’s TI-League, will seek to lead the squad in its pursuit of the championship after failing to advance past the quarter finals last year.