Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao. Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche.
So imagine getting stellar DLSU Green Archers in Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao. Add hefty star reinforcements in Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche. Then sprinkle in some shooters in Jordan Heading and JD Cagulangan.
That's just six members of an impressive Strong Group Athletics (SGA) lineup for the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Baltazar and Heading were announced as the latest additions ahead of the tournament taking place from January 19 to 28, at Al Nasr Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Baltazar was part of the 2023 Strong Group roster, along with fellow Green Archer Kevin Quiambao and UP Fighting Maroon JD Cagulangan.
"Balti is great. He runs the floor well, has a really good attitude, can rebound, defend, and score. He will be a big help to our team as a local big man," said coach Charles Tiu.
He racked up further experience, leading the Pampanga Giant Lanterns to the 2023 MPBL championship. Baltazar was hailed the tournament MVP, with an average of 17.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
He will be joined in Jordan Heading, who has remained a free agent after his stint with the Nagasaki Velca in Japan. In his one season in the B.League, in which he helped the Velca get promoted to Division I, Heading averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
It may be Tiu's first time to work with Heading, but the shooter was quick to answer the Strong Group's call.
"We really needed another guard and shooter. I think Jordan fits the bill," Tiu said. "Very easy to talk to, and we look forward to having him on our team. He played great in Japan last season, and I'm sure he will end up there again after this short stint."
Baltazar, Heading, Cagulangan, and Quiambao will be reinforced by a star-studded cast in 2020 NBA champion Dwight Howard, who previously played with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan.
Representing the Philippines once again is Andray Blatche, the former Gilas Pilipinas center who last teamed up with Renaldo Balkman back in 2020, when Mighty Sports won the tournament.
In the 2023 edition, the Strong Group finished as quarterfinalists. Looking to help the Strong Group repeat Mighty Sport's feat this year are Andre Roberson, McKenzie Moore, Francis Escandor, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Allen Liwag.
The coaching staff includes consultant Brian Goorjian and assistant coaches Topex Robinson and TY Tang.
(KA)