Strong Group Athletics (SGA) entered the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship with the odds stacked in their favor, acquiring elite National Basketball Association (NBA) stars Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson, and former-naturalized option Andray Blatche to complement an elite pool of majority collegiate cagers.
While the Philippine representatives orchestrated a convincing flawless run throughout the tournament, they were stopped in their tracks by a heart-wrenching heave from Al Riyadi’s Ismail Abdelmoneim, bringing the nail-bitting final matchup to a close as the gold dangled around the necks of the Lebanese club, 77-74, last Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Regardless of SGA’s inability to complete its “revenge tour” against their Al Riyadi rivals, bowing to them in the semi-finals of the previous year’s rendition, Howard and Roberson remain grateful for the opportunity to continue their careers overseas and represent the national flag. Whether hinting at a local/international return or hanging up the boots, the former NBA backcourt’s convergence and satisfaction in playing for a Philippine team showcases the country’s growing basketball movement, attracting international icons in the process.
“Stand Strong my Pinoy People 🇵🇭 We gave it our all and left it all on the court! Blood! Sweat! Tears! Injuries! We fought to the end! Thank you for letting me represent your country 🙏🏾🇵🇭🙏🏾,” the eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee wrote.
“One of the best teams! Love you guys forever! Thank you!” Roberson shared through an Instagram story.
