FOLLOWING the Detroit Pistons’ unprecedented 28-game losing run, Dwight Howard took to social media to assert that his current squad, Strong Group Athletics, can beat the faltering NBA franchise.
On Tuesday, January 9, Howard went to the social media platform X [Formerly Twitter] and couldn’t help but make fun of the Detroit Pistons.
He believes that his current team, which includes fellow former NBA player Andre Roberson, former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche, and Mckenzie Moore, can beat the 3-34 Pistons.
“My team in the Philippines could beat the Pistons,” Howard wrote.
“Me, Andray Blatche, Andre Roberson and McKenzie (Moore), lol it’s over,” he went on to say.
Detroit recently equaled the Philadelphia 76ers for the worst streak in NBA history, when they suffered their 28th consecutive loss.
However, Howard drew conflicting reactions from the Philippine basketball community, NBA fans, particularly Pistons fans, and basketball fans worldwide.
On the other hand, several basketball fans, who appear to be Filipino, admired Howard’s confidence with his youthful star-studded team.
Despite conflicting reactions, Howard’s statement can be accepted given that, in addition to high-caliber reinforcements, a young and formidable crew is being built.
Strong Group Athletics has signed collegiate standouts Kevin Quiambao, the current UAAP MVP, Francis Escandor, JD Cagulangan, Justin Sanchez, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.
Meanwhile, Justine Baltazar, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League MVP and one of the country’s top amateur stars, is among the players scheduled to compete in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
Along with Charles Tiu, the coaching staff is supported by UAAP champion coach Topex Robinson and consultant Brian Goorjian, who is a top-tier tactician for the Bay Area Dragons and Australia’s national team.
Will this team actually beat the Detroit Pistons if given the opportunity to play an exhibition game, given how talented they are from the first to the last player, and up to their coaching staff?
That question is unlikely to be answered, but one thing is certain: Strong Group Athletics will be a problem at the upcoming 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship, which will be held from January 19 to 28.
