The 33rd edition of the Dubai International Basketball Championship is set to commence this Friday, January 19, and will run until January 28 at the Al Nasr Sports Club. The event, managed by SAMA Events Management, promises a high-octane showdown featuring top-tier teams from across the Middle East.
The 10-day sporting extravaganza will showcase teams from Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Al Nasr Club of the UAE, the UAE National Team, Libya, and the Philippines, creating a rich tapestry of regional basketball talent.
The Philippine team is stealing the spotlight with an impressive roster that includes former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard. Joining him are Andre Roberson, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets, Andray Blatche, an NBA veteran who later took his talents overseas, and McKenzie Moore, who has showcased his skills in the NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks.
The team is further bolstered by a solid lineup comprising Jordan Heading, Justine Baltazar, Kevin Quiambao, JD Cagulangan, Ef Escandor, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez. The team’s strategy and play will be guided by Head Coach Charles Tiu, Assistant Coach Topex Robinson, and Consultant Brian Goorjian, with Jacob Lao managing the team’s affairs.