Naturalized player Andray Blatche believes Strong Group Athletics’ chances of winning the crown won’t just rely on the strength of its imports but also on the contributions of the young local crew seeing action in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The former National Basketball Association standout urged the collegiate stars playing for the Charles Tiu-mentored squad to do their part and not be discouraged by their miscues that could come along the way.
“We have a lot of veteran guys on this team and we got some young guys. The good thing about these young guys is that they are willing to put the work in and are learning and listening. So, it’s making everything go pretty smoothly,” Blatche said.
The former Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement is one of the four ex-NBA cagers in the squad, which seeks to end the country’s three-year title drought in the tournament slated to kickoff on 19 January.
He is joined by eight-time NBA All-Star center Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore.
Blatche expects to see the likes of University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao play an active role in helping Strong Group’s cause.
Aside from Quiambao, also marching in the country’s quest for glory is his De La Salle University teammate Francis Escandor along with College of Saint Benilde’s Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez and Allen Liwag, and University of the Philippines guard JD Cagulangan.
“I just want them to go out and give it their all. There’s going to be mistakes like I said. I don’t want them to put their head down, I don’t want them to apologize, I don’t want them to lose confidence,” Blatche said.
“Just keep on going and keep on making mistakes. That’s how you’re going to learn.”
Also in the team that is set to fly to Dubai on 17 January is Filipino-Australian guard Jordan Heading.
Blatche was part of the last Philippine team that won the tournament in 2020. He teamed up with former Philippine Basketball Association import Renaldo Balkman to lead Mighty Sports, also handled by Tiu, to the throne.
“It’s going to be my second time going over to this tournament in Dubai. The first trip we won it, we won the championship, so hopefully, we go back with the same results,” Blatche said.
Last year, Strong group led by Ateneo de Manila University center Ange Kouame, Philippine Basketball Association imports Shabazz Muhammad and Balkman with Quiambao, Baltazar, Adamson University’s Jerom Lastimosa and Blazers Will Gozum and Migs Oczon bowed to eventual champion Al Riyadi Club Beirut, 97-107, in the quarterfinal.
