Coming off an MVP campaign in the 2019 Jones Cup, Renaldo Balkman will return to Mighty Sports — this time for the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The tournament will take place from January 23 to February 1 at the Shabab Al Ahli Club.
Having Balkman for this tournament is important for Tiu for this tournament, since he sees the former ABL Defensive Player of the Year as their missing piece.
“Balkman is a great player. He’s a winner and he’s a leader. He’s a true pro who takes care of his body so well. No attitude whatsoever,” said Tiu about signing the 6-foot-8 Puerto Rican to his squad, which is backed by Creative Pacific of Bong Cuevas, Go for Gold, Oriental Group, Discovery Primea, and Gatorade.
“He’s a trooper.”
During the Jones Cup, Balkman averaged 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals in seven games played.
He was also a pivotal piece in Alab Pilipinas’ championship run in the eighth season of the ABL.
Also part of the team are Kai Sotto; Andray Blatche; Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño; Dave Ildefonso; Jamie Malonzo; Mikey Williams; Thirdy Ravena; and Beau Belga. Meanwhile, serving as one of Tiu’s assistant coaches is Angola national team head coach Will Voigt.
Teams that have been announced for the tourney are Libya’s Al Ahli; Syria’s Alwathba Sports Club and Al Ittihad; UAE’s national team and Alittihad Alexandria Club; Lebanon’s Al Riyadi and Beirut Sports Club; and American School in Dubai.
