Strong Group in tough bracket

MANILA, Philippines — With late addition in Chris McCullough, the Strong Group Athletics seek redemption against four fancied squads in Group A in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship firing off on Friday at the Al Nasr Club.

Mentored by Charles Tiu, SGA faces a tall order right off the bat after being bracketed with the hosts UAE National Team and Al Nasr along with Amman United of Jordan and Beirut First of Lebanon.

Another Philippine representative in Zamboanga Valientes headline Group B with Sagesse SC of Lebanon, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, Tunisia National Team and Sharjah SC of UAE.

Last year’s champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon, which bested SGA on a buzzer-beater in the finale, is not in the field this time around as per the official draw and schedule released by Dubai yesterday.

Led by former NBA All-Star Demarcus Cousins, SGA will open its campaign against the UAE NT on Friday at 10 p.m. (Manila time) before taking on Al Nasr Club on Saturday in back-to-back games versus the hosts.