Pinoy collision course in Dubai?

MANILA, Philippines — It’s likely that Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and the Zamboanga Valientes will face off in a knockout duel during the Dubai International Basketball Championships starting today up to Feb. 2 as the Filipino teams are in separate elimination brackets. There’s a possibility they could even meet in the final.

“We’re excited to play SGA,” said Zamboanga team manager Junnie Navarro. “We’ll try to give our best and we dedicate this to our city. Makapasok lang at makalaro sa Dubai, it’s a big honor. Tinalo namin Hong Kong Eastern sa ABL final in 2023 with our import Mario Chalmers and last year, we beat Macau sa The Asian Tournament Grand Finals with DeMarcus Cousins. Pero ibang level ang competition sa Dubai.”

SGA coach Charles Tiu said a collision course with Zamboanga could be in line because they’re in different groups. “I think we’re more competitive now (than last year when SGA lost in the final),” said Tiu. “For sure, our local lineup is deeper and that could be the difference maker. We’re allowed to play two imports at a time and I’m hoping for my second championship in Dubai (after Mighty Sports in 2020).”

SGA engages United Arab Emirates tonight then Al Nasr tomorrow, Amman on Monday and Beirut First on Wednesday. The Valientes take on Sharjah tomorrow then Al Ahli Tripoli on Sunday, Sagesse on Tuesday and Tunisia on Wednesday.

“The strongest team in our bracket is Tunisia,” said Navarro. “We’re excited because we were able to sign 7-6 Sam Deguara and former NBA player Adonis Thomas. Although our participation was on short notice, we’re prepared. We’re giving opportunities to our homegrown athletes and we’re happy the best Zamboanga players like Mike Tolomia, Rudy Lingganay and Forthsky Padrigao nagsama-sama to represent our city. Kulang na lang Mark Barroca at Peter Alfaro. Masaya kami at nagbubunga na mga sacrifices we started in 2006 noong sumali kami sa Liga Pilipinas.”

Tiu said Sagesse will be tough with Zach Lofton, Shabazz Muhammad and Malcolm Thomas. Beirut, Amman, Al Ahli and Tunisia are also contenders, he added. SGA and Zamboanga left yesterday for Dubai with high hopes of battling for the title, perhaps against each other.