Strong Group Athletics head coach Charles Tiu hopes to learn more from champion coaches Brian Goorjian of Australia and Topex Robinson in the squad’s campaign in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship from 19 to 28 January.
Tiu said having both coaches is a blessing as he gets to work and learn alongside the veteran tacticians.
Goorjian had six National Basketball League titles and Australia to a bronze medal finish in the Tokyo Olympics while Robinson captured his first University Athletic Association of the Philippines with De La Salle University.
“He (Goorjian) wanted to come out to help and he said he wanted to support me and help me grow as a coach and I’m very thankful. Coach Topex has also been very big. He has been doing the little things and he’s always in my ear and giving suggestions,” Tiu said.
“There’s a reason why these guys have won championships. I’m happy to have them by my side and I think they will help us out.”
Tiu has experience working with veteran coaches as he leads Strong Group and the College of Saint Benilde.
The Blazers mentor worked with Serbian coach Rajko Toroman in Gilas Pilipinas in International Basketball Federation tournaments and recently in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
He was also an assistant coach for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association under then-head coach Norman Black.
Tiu hopes Blazers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag make the most of the opportunity given to them, especially playing alongside National Basketball Association players Andre Roberson, McKenzie Moore, Andray Blatche and Dwight Howard.
These three players are expected to play for Saint Benilde in NCAA Season 100 after serving a one-year residency.
“That’s part of our goal to develop players. I told them straight up that I had so many people calling me that they wanted to be part of this line-up. It’s a blessing for them to be here,” Tiu said.
“I want them to soak up as much as they can. Coach Brian and these NBA guys, understand the game. Hopefully, they appreciate what they have because this is a rare experience to be teammates with these guys and I hope they come back with more confidence.”
