Strong Group is looking to prove itself with a roaring start when it takes on the UAE national team in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Friday, Jan. 19. 

The Philippine-based squad kicks off its campaign at 11:15 p.m. (Manila time) at the Al-Nasr Stadium in Dubai, UAE. 
 

Bannered by former NBA star Dwight Howard, Strong Group is raring to rectify its quarterfinal defeat last year.

The Charles Tiu-coached team will also be reinforced by former naturalized player Andray Blatche and two other imports in McKenzie Moore and Andre Roberson.

Strong Group is bunched in Group B along with UAE national team and four other fierce competitors in Beirut Club, Lebanon’s Homenetmen, Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli and Syria’s Al Wahda. 

Meanwhile, Group A participants are also due for a tough climb as Lebanon’s Al Riyadi, which defeated Strong Group in the quarterfinal en route to the championship title, is expected to be atop the standings against UAE’s Al Nasr, Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, Morocco’s AS Salé, Tunisia National Team and Lebanon’s Sagesse.

For the second time, reigning UAAP MVP and most decorated collegiate star Kevin Quiambao will be a key factor in Strong Group’s rotation.

Together with De La Salle tactician Topex Robinson, Aussie national team mentor Brian Goorjian in the coaching staff, the Frank Lao-owned team is hoping for a huge turnaround and eventually vie for the title.