STRONG Group coach Charles Tiu is hoping Dwight Howard’s joke would become a reality.
“My team in the Philippines could beat the Pistons,” Howard, a former NBA All-Star who will boost Strong Group in the Dubai International Tournament set Jan. 19 to 28, said on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday. “Me, Andray Blatche, Andre Roberson, McKenzie (Moore), it’s over.”
Howard was, of course, referring to the lowly Detroit squad in the NBA which has a 3-33 slate.
Minus the jest, the Philippine side owned by Frank and Jacob Lao boasts a formidable roster led by Howard and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Blatche, another former NBA cager in Robinson and former PBA import Moore.
Strong Group’s locals include the likes of reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao and teammate Francis Escandor of La Salle and University of the Philippines playmaker JD Cagulangan.
College of St. Benilde’s Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez also comprise the team.
High-scoring guard Mikey Williams, who is still in the United States after his contract with TNT in the pro league was terminated due to an impasse, is reportedly set to suit up for Strong Group.
Strong Group likewise tapped Australian national team and former Bay Area tactician Brian Goorjan as a team consultant and Green Archers tactician Topex Robinson as assistant coach.
