Strong Group brings back key cogs for upcoming Dubai tilt

Rhenz Abando during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Eager to regain the championship, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) has brought back most of its key stars for the 2025 Dubai International Basketball Championship.

On Friday, the Philippine-side SGA announced Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso’s commitment to the squad alongside other notable returns in hopes of accomplishing what they couldn’t a year ago.

“With key returnees headlined by Andray Blatche, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, and Ange Kouame, Strong Group is ready to conquer the Dubai Championship,” wrote SGA in an Instagram post.

READ: DeMarcus Cousins joins Strong Group for upcoming Dubai run

Last year, SGA fell victim to  Al Riyadi in the Finals that halted their hopes of a gold medal finish.

Unfortunately, most of the members of that Strong Group squad have found their mother teams in different leagues.

That’s where Abando and Ildefonso are expected to flourish with more expected minutes heading their way on the Dubai tilt.

READ: Strong Group loses Dubai title game on buzzer-beater

Strong Group has been stacking up its talents for its 2025 go-around for the Dubai title with acquisitions of Jason Brickman and NBA veteran DeMarcus Cousins announced weeks prior.

Also joining the SGA front alongside coach Charles Tiu are College of St. Benilde standouts Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez and NCAA Season 100 MVP Allen Liwag.

This year’s edition of the Dubai International Basketball Championship rolls on later this month, January 24.