NBA veteran Dwight Howard is set to join the Philippine club team Strong Group for the Dubai International Basketball Championship, which will take place from January 19 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates. The news was confirmed by head coach Charles Tiu, following its initial report by NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Howard, the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, will be joining a formidable lineup that includes other Strong Group reinforcements such as Gilas naturalized player Andray Blatche, former Oklahoma City Thunder player Andre Robinson, and McKenzie Moore.
The team will also feature local talents, including UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao from La Salle and star point guard JD Cagulangan from the University of the Philippines. The coaching staff will be led by Charles Tiu and will include Australia national team mentor and former Bay Area coach Brian Goorjian.
Quiambao and Cagulangan were part of last year’s squad, along with MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, Fil-American sensation Sedrick Barefield, Jerom Lastimosa, Will Gozum, Migz Oczon, and Francis Lopez.
Howard’s addition to the Strong Group team adds a significant boost and experience to the roster, making them a formidable competitor in the Dubai International Basketball Championship. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing this talented lineup in action on the court.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 4, 2023
