OUT to prove it has what it takes, Strong Group has bolstered its roster for the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Tournament set on Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.
The Jacob Lao-owned team has tapped prized big man Justine Baltazar, reigning NCAA MVP Will Gozum, BJ Andrade, and Inand Fornillos to beef up the squad
The 6-foot-9 Baltazar came off a brief stint with Hiroshima in the Japan B. League.
“Balti is going to be big for us, he wasn’t given much of a chance in Japan but the kid is a great player and I plan to use him as a big wing and power forward,” said Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.
Baltazar only saw action for a total of 13 minutes during a two-month stay with the Dragonflies.
“But, of course, it all remains to be seen on how it will look when we start practicing,” he added.
Lao was able to get Baltazar since his family has close ties with Pampanga Governor and Baltazar’s adviser Dennis “Delta” Pineda.
“We are very grateful to Gov. Delta for allowing Balti to play with us in this tournament,” Tiu said. “He has a great relationship with boss Jacob and that’s the reason why this is possible.”
Gozum, a 6-foot-7 center, still has to earn his minutes despite playing for Tiu at College of St. Benilde.
“Will will have to compete with the other guys for his minutes,” he said. “It’s a whole different ball game and he’s playing the same position as the imports, but let’s see how he will fare.”
Andrade and Fornillos are former teammates of Lao at Ateneo.
Andrade was the skipper of the Blue Eagles team that bagged the title in the 85th UAAP basketball tournament, while Fornillos and Lao were members of the La Salle Green Hills team that won it all in the 93rd NCAA juniors’ tilt.
“We are glad to have a four-time UAAP champion in BJ Andrade and the championship experience of an athletic 3-and-D guy in Inand Fornilos,” Lao said. “They’re all winners in their own ways and their experience will surely help the team for them.
