Strong Group Athletics taps former NBA players for Dubai tournament

STRONG Group Athletics continues to bolster its roster, assembling a formidable lineup for the Philippine team, which will compete in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship in late January.

On Tuesday, Strong Group Athletics astonished Filipino basketball fans and the entire basketball community by announcing the signing of 2020 NBA Champion Dwight Howard.

Howard will lead the star-studded cast, as the former three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year just came from a T1 stint in Taiwan with the Taoyuan Leopards before joining Strong Group.

“We pursued Dwight because we believe he can provide a significant defensive presence and contribute offensively. Andray Blatche played a crucial role in connecting us, and I’m grateful for the support from our owners Frank and Jacob Lao,” stated head coach Charles Tiu.

Blatche, a former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center, will also return to the country. He previously won the competition with Mighty Sports in 2020, teaming up with Renaldo Balkman.

“I’m excited to run with Dre Blatche again. We won the last time he played for me, and he’s eager to represent the Philippines once more,” adds Tiu, who hopes to win a championship in Dubai.

Andre Roberson, another NBA veteran, will also play under Tiu’s system. Roberson, known for being part of the Oklahoma City Thunder, will now round out the Strong Group’s initial NBA group. 

“Andre Roberson is known to be a workhorse and lock-down defender. I believe he can contribute offensively at this level, and his great team-oriented attitude will make him an excellent fit,” Tiu said.

Meanwhile, McKenzie Moore, a mainstay with the Strong Group, will run it back in order to familiarize the squad.

In addition to the revelations from the roster’s players, Brian Goorjian, the squad’s team consultant, will also provide a significant boost. 

Tiu highlighted his excitement at working alongside Goorjian, the former Bay Area Dragons head coach, on Twitter. 

“Can’t wait to work with my good friend Brian Goorjian. Been a long time coming. Great chance for me to learn from him. He’s a legend,” he wrote in his post.

Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor of De La Salle University, as well as Harold Alarcon and JD Cagulangan of the University of the Philippines, are also on the team’s roster.

The 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship will take place from January 19 to January 28.