MANILA--Strong Group Athletics hit an early jackpot in its quest to finish some unfinished business in the Dubai International Basketball Championship by signing former NBA superstar DeMarcus Cousins.
"Boogie" himself confirmed the news on Saturday.
"I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaming up with Coach Charles Tiu, Jacob Lao, and Strong Group Athletics to represent the Philippines in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament," Cousins said in a Facebook post.
The 6-foot-10 center carved a career in Asia this year, suiting up for the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League, the Taiwan Mustangs and Zamboanga Valientes, who are rumored to be joining the DIBC too, in TAT, and Wuxi in the FIBA 3x3 circuit.
Cousins teamed up with Dwight Howard, who was part of SGA's DIBC lineup last January, with the Mustangs, who were coached by Chris Gavina.
After racking up leg championships in TAT, Cousins, also a FIBA World Cup and Olympic champ, now looks to give SGA its first DIBC title, something that was denied to them last January at the very last second by Ismail Ahmad, Wael Arakji, and Al-Riyadi.
"Can't wait to help bring home SGA’s first-ever Dubai International Basketball championship. Let’s get to work!" Cousin further said.
Tiu then revealed that his conversations with Cousins reached the point of determining how SGA's roster should be assembled.
“We worked hard to get DeMarcus. I’ve heard great feedback about him, and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. He’s serious, means business, and wants to win. We’ve even been discussing personnel matters already,” said Tiu.
“Kudos and a big thank you to Boss Jacob and Boss Frank for making this possible. I’m excited for us to have another great star on our team!”
The younger Lao then said that fans should expect more quality signings as the countdown to the DIBC goes on.
“Signing DeMarcus Cousins is a huge step in the right direction. We’re thrilled to have someone of his caliber leading our redemption bid. In the days to come, we’re hoping to sign more NBA veterans and top Filipino prospects to strengthen our squad and finally bring home the Dubai crown,” Lao said.
The DIBC is scheduled from Jan. 24-Feb. 2.
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