STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS (SGA), the Philippine basketball squad, has landed in Dubai and will face the host United Arab Emirates National squad tonight in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club.
Strong Group’s head coach, Charles Tiu, shared a snapshot of their arrival in Dubai on X (formerly Twitter), captioned “Landed in Dubai. See you guys. Hope you can support @stronggroupathl (Strong Group’s account).”
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Strong Group’s highly anticipated debut will be at 11:15 p.m. (Manila time), as they look to rebound from a dismal quarterfinal exit last season by beginning their redemption tour with a statement victory.
Following their match against the UAE National Team, SGA will face challenging assignments against Lebanon’s Beirut Sports Club and Homenetmen.
Along with Syria’s Al Wahda and Libya’s Al Ahly Tri Sports Club, who complete the Group B bracket, which will surely challenge the country’s NBA-led SGA lineup.
In Group A, Al Riyadi, led by Lebanon national team great guard and former FIBA Asia Cup MVP Wael Arakji, will defend their title.
They will play Tunisia’s national team, Morocco’s As Sale, Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, the UAE’s Al Nasr, and another Lebanese side, Sagesse.
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Despite a tight timeline, Strong Group is focused on one goal: to win the championship. “It’s gonna be a stacked competition. Modesty aside, we definitely want to win the championship.” Tiu stated.
Veteran Dwight Howard, an NBA champion and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, will lead SGA on their championship quest.
Andray Blatche, a former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player, is joined by former Oklahoma Thunder guard Andre Roberson and import McKenzie Moore.
Leading the local players are UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, and Gilas shooter Jordan Heading.
The roster also includes DLSU’s Francis Escandor, UP’s JD Cagulangan, and CSB’s Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, and Tony Ynot.
