STRONG Group Athletics’ (SGA) lineup for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is now complete, with former Ateneo Blue Eagles player Chris Koon being the final addition.
With only a few days until the start of Strong Group’s Dubai tilt, which is set to take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025, the team has finally completed the squad and its arsenals are ready.
Koon, who finished his collegiate career during UAAP Season 87, averaged 7.58 points, 4.17 rebounds, and 1.83 assists per game after suffering an injury earlier in the season.
“He has good size as a wing, can shoot, can defend. I think he will be a good role player for us,” said Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu of the role that he is expecting from Koon to fulfill for SGA.
“And we all know he’s been well coached and comes from a great school and program, so it’s good to have him,” he went on to explain.
Ready to Go
Prior to Koon’s arrival, the Frank Lao-owned team had recently signed Mikey Williams, a two-time PBA Finals MVP, who arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday. This also marks a reunion, but this time, with Tiu.
“I’m excited to be working with him again,” said Tiu of having Wiliams back on a squad he’s coaching. “I was quite close to him before. We won two championships together, and hopefully, we can win another one.”
After signing with Strong Group, Koon’s professional career begins, and he will get the opportunity to reunite with old Ateneo teammates Dave Ildefonso and naturalized Pinoy Ange Kouame.
Returnees include Rhenz Abando, Jason Brickman, another naturalized Pinoy, Andray Blatche, NCAA MVP Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez.
American imports DeMarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson, both former NBA players, will also help the team, while Terry Larrier’s international basketball knowledge will be valuable.
Revenge Tour Starts
It is worth noting that in 2024, they had NBA Champion Dwight Howard and former Oklahoma star Andre Roberson lead the club to the Finals, but they failed to win the crown.
Strong Group Athletics will have a media day on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, before focusing on their redemption tour preparations.
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