The 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is set to kick off on January 24, 2025, at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai, bringing together basketball talents from around the globe. Representing the Philippines, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and Zamboanga Valientes have unveiled their game schedules, promising intense action and a showcase of Filipino basketball excellence.
Strong Group Athletics (SGA): Aiming for redemption
SGA, which narrowly missed the championship title last year, opens their campaign on Friday, January 24, 2025, against the UAE National Team at 18:00 Dubai time. On Saturday, January 25, 2025, they face another test as they clash with Al Nasr at 21:00. Their third game is scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025, against Amman United at 21:00, and they wrap up their group stage on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, against Beirut First at 21:00.
With a star-studded roster featuring former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, PBA Finals MVP Mikey Williams, and collegiate standout Chris Koon, SGA is set to make a strong push for the championship. Head coach Charles Tiu believes the team has what it takes to deliver, saying, “We’ve built a balanced squad capable of competing with the best.”
Zamboanga Valientes: Hungry for victory
The Zamboanga Valientes, making their mark as another Philippine representative, start their journey on Saturday, January 25, 2025, against Sharjah at 18:00 Dubai time. Their second game is on Sunday, January 26, 2025, against Al Ahli Tri at 18:00. On Monday, January 27, 2025, they meet Sagesse at 21:00, followed by a showdown with Tunisia National Team on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 17:00.
Bolstered by the addition of former NBA player Adonis Thomas and promising big man Ken Holmqvist, the Valientes are determined to make an impact. Holmqvist, currently a practice player for TNT in the PBA, sees this as a stepping stone to elevate his career.
Schedule at a Glance
Strong Group Athletics:
January 24: SGA vs UAE NT (18:00)
January 25: SGA vs Al Nasr (21:00)
January 27: SGA vs Amman (21:00)
January 29: SGA vs Beirut First (21:00)
Zamboanga Valientes:
January 25: Zamboanga V vs Sharjah (18:00)
January 26: Zamboanga V vs Al Ahli Tri (18:00)
January 27: Zamboanga V vs Sagesse (21:00)
January 29: Zamboanga V vs Tunisia NT (17:00)
