Two years ago, Mighty Sports Philippines joined the 2017 Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
Backed by the likes of Hasheem Thabeet, Marcus Douthit, Justin Brownlee, and Dominic McGuire, together with PBA vets, Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, JC Intal, Gary David, and Ryan Arana, the Philippine-based club team struggled against the topflight clubs in the Middle East. Mighty Sports, who only had a couple of weeks to prepare, managed to end the tournament with a 1-3 record.
Knowing how tough the competition is, Mighty Sports went younger and had earlier preparations for the 2019 edition of the tourney.
Moreover, they are now backstopped by better imports in a more mature Brownlee, Randolph Morris, and Lamar Odom.
“We look better right now, that’s a good sign,” said Mighty Sports head coach Charles Tiu.
“But the locals before had more experience. That was our advantage then.”
Forming the core of this batch of Mighty Sports are young guns like y sp, and Gab Banal. The only experienced players they have this time around are Jason Brickman and Joseph Yeo.
“Imagine, the players arrived one or two days before the tournament. Sobrang hirap nun e,” recalled Tiu.
“Now, at least we have a younger squad, more energetic, and they listen better.”
Without experienced PBA vets, Tiu is glad that his imports have taken the leadership role for Mighty Sports.
“They listen to him. Obviously, they respect Lamar. I’m not putting pressure on them too much but if they play their game, we’ll be alright,” Tiu said.
Mighty Sports begins its campaign on February 1.
