BY ABBY TORALBA
Led by former NBA star Dwight Howard and reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, Strong Group Athletics begins its quest for glory in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Tournament today at the Al Nasr Stadium in Dubai.
Arriving in Dubai yesterday, Strong Group opens its title bid against the United Arab Emirates’ national team today at 11:15 p.m.
Also making the Strong Group side are former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche, former NBA cager Andre Roberson, Mckenzie Moore, Justine Baltazar, Francis Escandor, Justine Sanchez, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, JD Cagulangan, and Jordan Heading.
Strong Group is also fielding a formidable think tank led by coach Charles Tiu along with La Salle strategist Topex Robinson and Australia national squad and former Bay Area tactician Bryan Goorjian as consultant.
“Modesty aside, we definitely want to win the championship. Right now, our goal, if we can stay healthy, (we can really) win the championship,” Tiu said.
Howard said: “I believe we can do anything if we put our minds to it, we gotta have faith. Obviously, this tournament and all of us are just coming together to win this tournament, so that’s our focus.
“Our focus is going to Dubai and playing against whatever team is out there, representing the Philippines and winning.”
Strong Group will battle Al Wahda at 9:15 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, before facing Homenetmen at 11:15 on Sunday.
