MANILA – Mighty Sports-Philippines is set to be tested when it begins its campaign in the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship tonight at the Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Bannering the Philippines squad were former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, ex-New York Knicks wingman Randolph Morris and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings import Justin Brownlee.
Also in the team were UAAP standouts Juan Gomez de Liaño of the University of the Philippines, Troy Rike of National University Bulldogs and Leonard Santillan of De La Salle University Green Archers.
Completing the team mentored by Charles Tiu were Jason Brickman, Jett Manuel, Jeremiah Gray, Angelo Wongchuking, Roosevelt Adams, and PBA D-League Finals MVP Gabriel Banal.
“We want to win. That’s our goal, really. We join tournaments to win,” Tiu said. “This tournament is really tough. This is my fourth time. Basically, this tournament, I don’t think the Philippine team has ever won in this tournament.”
He added: “I know the competition we’re going up against, and it’s very tough. Even the last time that the Gilas (Pilipinas) squad, with sila Coach Chot (Reyes), that group, they didn’t do too well either in this tournament.”
Tiu also noted that Odom, a two-time NBA champion and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, has not yet played in a five-on-five scrimmage and hopes that he could regain his confidence.
“Let’s be realistic, he hasn’t played in a high-level basketball game for a long time. I mean it does a lot to your mind. I’m really hoping he can get his confidence back. We all know what he can bring and what he is capable of,” Tiu said.
The Philippines representatives begins its campaign against American University Dubai tonight, UAE National Team on Saturday, Homenetmen (Lebanon) on Sunday and Al Wahda (Syria) on Feb. 5./PN
