Cousins, Blatche headline Strong Group Athletics Dubai cagers

Strong Group Athletics (SGA) has assembled a strong lineup for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, featuring NBA veterans DeMarcus Cousins and Andray Blatche.

Key local players include former collegiate stars Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso, who are expected to have more minutes and lead the team.

Other notable players joining SGA are basketball journeyman Jason Brickman, Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame, NCAA Season 100 Mythical Team member Tony Ynot, and NCAA Season 100 MVP Allen Liwag.

SGA aims to win the Dubai title after finishing as runners-up last year, having fallen to Al Riyadi in the Finals.

Coach Charles Tiu expects Abando and Ildefonso to lead the team, especially with former key players now in the professional leagues.

Abando and Ildefonso previously played in the Korean Basketball League and were with SGA in last year's Jones Cup.