A dagger triple at the buzzer denied Strong Group Athletics the championship in Dubai last year. Now they’re out to claim what should have been theirs.
It’s been nearly a year, but the pain still lingers for the players and coaches of Strong Group Athletics. They were locked in a tight battle with Al Riyadi of Beirut in the championship match of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, with the score tied at 74 going into the last minute. SGA had a couple of chances to seize the lead but couldn’t convert.
Then on the last possession of the game, it happened. Ismail Ahmad, also known as Somaa, buried a three-point shot at the buzzer that gave Al Riyadi a pulse-pounding 77-74 win and stuck a knife into the collective hearts of the Strong Group Athletics players.
Fast forward to 2025, and SGA is again assembling a team that coach Charles Tiu hopes will achieve what last year’s team fell painfully short of doing.
Former PBA import Chris McCullough is the latest addition to SGA’s lineup for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, joining DeMarcus Cousins, Andray Blatche, Malachi Richardson, Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Jason Brickman, Chris Koon, Allen Liwag, and Dave Ildefonso.
“I’m excited because I really feel this year I think we have a better chance,” Tiu said. “I think we have a really good group of local players. I think that’s going to be a big difference for us. So, you know, I mean, obviously we just can control what we have, which is our preparation.”
To add more coaching acumen to the team, Tiu has brought in Slovenian coach Zoran Martic, a veteran tactician who has been coaching in Europe for over 30 years.
“I always want to bring consultants to help our team out so I can learn from them,” Tiu said. “I just think it’s good to have extra coaches to always help our team out.”
The Cousins Factor
Undoubtedly, the biggest name on the SGA roster this year is former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who has brought his trademark intensity to practices. Tiu revealed that Cousins and Ange Kouame got into it a bit during a recent practice.
“Well, they actually had a very intense practice a few days ago. They were going at it, which I like. Ange is not backing down either, but he’s been teaching Ange some little things. Offensively also, defensively.
“They like to talk a lot, they like to trash talk, but it’s part of the game. So it’s nice to have a practice like that that’s competitive. DeMarcus is very intense and he wants to win and he’s outspoken.”
Intensity aside, Tiu said Cousins will be a game-changer on the court.
“I think he’s been great for us. He really gives us another dimension offensively. I don’t think we’ve had an import like this and it’s still just practice. So I’m excited to see him in the game.
“I think we have a good relationship. He’s been spending a lot of time here. So I’m really excited to get the chance to work with him. So far, he’s been very coachable. So I have no complaints with the way he’s conducted himself so far. I think he’s really good for our team.”
What’s in store in Dubai
One factor that could work against Strong Group Athletics is the lack of preparation time, as the team only came together last week.
“Unfortunately, this time we won’t have a single tune-up game before the tournament starts,” he said. “So we’ll have to figure everything out. Demarcus has been with us for four days. So that’s also the challenge, adjusting to him. But we’ll figure it out. I think we have smart players, a good group of guys. And we should be ready for the tournament on Friday.”
Strong Group is in Group A and will play on opening day on Friday, taking on the national team of the United Arab Emirates. Al Riyadi won’t be around this year to defend their crown, but the rest of the field, which includes the Zamboanga Valientes in the opposite group, won’t be a cakewalk.
“Last year the Libyan team (Al Ahli Tripoli) was very good. I forgot their exact team name, but the team from Libya was good. They’re back. Sagesse from Lebanon, they got Shabazz Muhammad and Zach Lofton. I think you guys are familiar with them. Another ex-NBA, Malcolm Thomas. So I think the Lebanese teams are preparing well, I heard. Obviously, they also had a break from basketball because of their situation in the country. So they want to come up a bit fired up in this tournament. So we just have to be ready for them.
“Obviously, the African teams are always big. Tunisia, Morocco. So it’s going to be tough for us. But I think we have a good enough squad to compete.”
Strong Group, and for that matter the Zamboanga Valientes, can also count on a secret weapon in Dubai: the support of Filipino OFWs, who have come out in droves in recent years for this tournament.
“I think that’s one thing we always look forward to. Parang home court namin. I think by far we are the number one fan base there. So we’re always excited to put on a good show for them.
“And it’s nice, actually. Doon feeling mo Ginebra ka eh. Lahat nagchi-cheer sayo talaga. So it’s something we look forward to. And we’re always thankful for their support.”
Banner Image by Sid Ventura