Strong Group PHL taps former Bay Area head coach Brian Goorjian as consultant

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Strong Group Philippines isn’t done making their moves for the upcoming 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship.

After signing multiple ex-NBA talents like Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson, and Andray Blatche, the Philippines-based sports organization redirected its focus to the coaching department and tapped the services of former Bay Area Dragons chief tactician Brian Goorjian to become their team consultant when the Dubai tournament kicks off.

It was Strong Group owner Frank Lao who confirmed their latest development and said that the organization is already excited to learn from Goorjian.

“I am truly excited to announce the addition of Brian Goorjian as our esteemed team consultant for the Dubai International Basketball Championship,” Lao said.

Goorjian is already familiar with the PHL style of basketball after the Bay Area Dragons participated during the previous import-laced conference of the PBA.

Despite falling at the hands of Justin Brownlee and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel squad during the grand finals, Goorjian and the Dragons still put up a convincing campaign as first-timers in the PBA.

As a coach, Goorjian is a six-time champion in the National Basketball League (NBL) and is also the recipient of the NBL Coach of the Year award from 1992-2009.

Goorjian also carries vast experience in the international hoops scene after handling the Australian national basketball team.

“With his unparalleled coaching acumen and a wealth of experience, Brian brings an invaluable perspective to all of us,” Lao added.