Strong Group PHL recruits former NBA players Blatche, Roberson for Dubai stint

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Strong Group Philippines just solidified its pool of import players after signing ex-NBA gunners Andray Blatche and Andre Roberson for the upcoming 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship.

After securing former NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard, the PHL-based basketball club continued its blockbuster reinforcement reveal when the names of Blatche and Roberson appeared in their lineup.

Blatche, a former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player who led the national team to several historic wins at the FIBA level, will once again represent the country in the international hoops scene.

The former member of the Brooklyn Nets is known for his all-around efficiency on the court. A big man who can handle the ball well and shoot from the outside, Strong Group just signed an experienced and reliable hooper to play alongside Howard.

Meanwhile, Roberson, the former two-way player of the Oklahoma City Thunder, will add more depth to their already talented pool of swingmen.

After playing for Oklahoma from 2013-2020, Roberson was sent to the NBA G League and suited up for the Tulsa 66ers and the Oklahoma City Blue.

Before leaving the NBA, Roberson played a vital role in the Thunder organization and averaged 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists.

Last year, Strong Group recruited Nick Young, Shabazz Muhammad, and Renaldo Balkman to reinforce its squad but the team failed to reach the grand finals of the prestigious tournament.

Despite the stacked lineup they deployed, Strong Group only managed to secure a quarterfinal spot and lost to Al Riyadi Beirut in the elimination match, 106-97.