Andre Roberson.–STRONG GROUP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Other than the great people and amazing organization that Andre Roberson has heard about from the Philippines, there was also a certain someone who helped his decision in committing to play for Strong Group.
San Miguel’s Chris Ross, a fellow San Antonio, Texas native, was one of the reasons why Roberson joined the Philippine side for the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
“It’s because of friends of friends. I know Charles (Tiu) and Mr. Brian (Goorjian), as well as Chris Ross and Jordan Clarkson. They said nothing but great things, great people and amazing organization and I said, why not?” explained the former Oklahoma City wingman on Wednesday.
READ: Dwight Howard says PH Strong Group team can beat Pistons
“San Antonio, man. He (Ross) grew up in San Antonio a little bit and that’s when we kind of met. I’m from there, too. We would always meet up for runs and we crossed paths a lot so we ended up becoming good friends. We met up here when I first came. I kept those basketball relations because you never know where basketball might take you.”
Andre Roberson, a former OKC Thunder, talks about his journey to Strong Group. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/Wz9r1eHuGD
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 10, 2024
Roberson’s commitment with Strong Group came just a day after it was announced that another former NBA player Dwight Howard would propel the Philippine squad for the Dubai tilt.
Now Roberson, who’s well-known for his defensive prowess, will share the court with Howard, who’s been named as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year multiple times.
And if the former Thunder has anything to say about it, he’s excited to show the defense of the Philippine side come the Dubai tourney.
“It kind of brings me back to my glory days with Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka behind me. With Dwight’s talents and his history, if I get beat or make a mistake, I know I got somebody behind me to cover my back.”
The 2013 NBA first-round pick also showed his excitement in playing with the young guns of the Philippines.
“They’re amazing. Those great young guys are like sponges and hard workers, they go out there and don’t cheat the game. They really do the work and go out there to put all the effort in. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with here in the future, if not already.”
Strong Group’s young core is spearheaded by UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao, University of the Philippines’ JD Cagulangan and former La Salle big Justine Baltazar.