JUSTINE Baltazar and Will Gozum get a chance to showcase their wares on the international stage as they join Strong Group for the 2023 Dubai International Championship.
Coach Charles Tiu bared the recent signees for the invitational tilt slated for Jan. 27 to Feb. 5 as the Jacob Lao-owned team continues to add players to its roster.
Baltazar is coming off a brief stint for Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League and came back home to suit up for Pampanga G Lanterns in the Pilipinas Super League. He is entertaining offers from the Korean Basketball League.
READ: Is Balti headed to Korea after brief Japan stint?
"Balti is going to be big for us," said Tiu. "He wasn't given much of a chance in Japan but the kid is a great player and I plan to use him as a big wing and power forward, but of course it all remains to be seen on how it will look when we start practicing."
Gozum, meanwhile, is coming off an MVP run after steering St. Benilde to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Season 98 seniors basketball tournament.
"Will will have to compete with the other guys for his minutes. It's a whole different ball game and he's playing the same position as the imports, but let's see how he will fare," Tiu added.
Also joining the team are Ateneo senior BJ Andrade and forward Inand Fornilos.
"They're all winners in their own ways and their experience will surely help the team for them. But very excited for all because it is a rare opportunity for these players to further grow and learn a new style of play internationally. They're all very talented inviduals who can compliment and play specific roles that the team needs," said Lao.
Strong Group earlier signed imports Nick Young and Renaldo Balkman, as well as naturalized center Ange Kouame and Fil-Am guard Sedrick Barefield.
The Philippine crew is aiming to replicate the championship which Mighty Sports achieved in the Dubai tilt back in 2020.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph