DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Mighty Sports has already surpassed its win total from the last time it played in this tournament.
But the team owners want the squad to dream big.
“While we have already surpassed our one-win showing two years ago, our mission is far from over. So stay focused guys,” brothers Alex and Caesar Wongchuking, who financed the Filipino squad, said in a text message to the team here.
Coach Charles Tiu got the message. And he’s hoping NBA star Lamar Odom can help the team accomplish that goal.
Mighty goes for a four-game sweep of Group B when it collides with Al-Wahda on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) in the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship at Shabab Al Ahli Club here.
After an inspiring 98-89 win over Lebanese champion club Homenetmen on Sunday, Tiu sees another exciting finish in their 9 p.m. clash (1 a.m. in Manila).
“Al-Wahda also has three imports, one stands at 7-foot-4,” said the younger brother of retired Rain or Shine star Chris Tiu. “So we can’t afford to relax although we’re now assured of finishing either as No. 1 or No. 2.”
Tiu, however, is hoping to get significant numbers this time from former LA Lakers star Lamar Odom, who was scoreless in the team’s last two games.
The 6-foot-10 Odom scored four points against American University in Dubai.
While Odom is trying to find his old groove, much of the load has been shouldered by Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee and Chinese league veteran Randolph Morris, who have gotten support from Fil-Ams Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray, and Roosevent Adams.