Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche are set to lead the Strong Group cast in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, aiming for redemption following their quarterfinals exit last year.
Owned by Frank Lao, the team sees Howard, 38, and Blatche, 37, as key reinforcements.
Shams Charania from The Athletics reports that Howard is focused on maintaining his fitness as he eyes a return to the NBA.
The veteran center’s last NBA stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-2022 season.
Notably, he had a workout with the Golden State Warriors before the current NBA season commenced.
Howard initiated his Asian basketball journey in 2022 when he signed with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League.
Photo from Mighty Sports
In contrast, Blatche is making a return to the Philippines for the first time since the 2020 edition of the Dubai tournament.
During that tournament, he played a pivotal role in steering Mighty Sports to the championship.
This event marks his return to club-level basketball after a hiatus.
The 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship is scheduled to take place from January 19 to 28.
As Howard and Blatche spearhead the Strong Group, fans eagerly anticipate their performance and whether the team can secure a more favorable outcome compared to their previous outing.
