CHICAGO - Raised from humble beginnings, billionaire sportsman Frank Lao is not the type to flaunt his money.
But when he supports a cause, like he has done with several athletic programs in the NCAA and UAAP over the years, Lao doesn't hold back on the spending, either.
That's the dynamic behind the roster assembled by his Strong Group Athletics (SGA) basketball team that will compete in the prestigious Dubai International Championships from January 19 to 28.
READ Dwight Howard to play for PH side Strong Group in Dubai tournament
With pockets as deep as the blue sea, no expense was spared.
With his son Jacob, a PBA executive at Converge, and Benilde coach Charles Tiu leading the talent search, an iteration of a Dream Team was hatched. It is arguably the best compilation of hoopers to rep the Philippines in an international meet.
"Representing the flag is an honor and a privilege. But it also comes with an obligation to perform well. And that's why we tapped the best of the best," Lao told SPIN.ph in a rare interview.
Winning the title won't come easy In a field that includes reigning and defending champion Al-Riyadi plus heavyweights from Egypt, Monaco and Iran.
WHICH IS WHY SGA IS WIELDING A BIG GUN IN THE DUBAI BATTLE.
"Justin Brownlee was our No. 1 pick. I spoke to him and he wanted to play for us. But the organizers didn't say he could play," Tiu told me.
That's when SGA zeroed in on Dwight Howard and built their roster around the NBA champion and eight-time All-Star.
Howard, who famously starred with the Orlando Magic before winning a ring with the Lakers in 2020, will arrive in Manila this weekend.
Former Gilas anchor Andray Blatche is also on the team alongside former OKC Thunder Andre Roberson and former PBA import McKenzie Moore.
Strong Group, two agents told me last month, also sent feelers to former NBA MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas' camp. Unfortunately, It didn't work out.
La Salle stalwarts and newly-minted UAAP Season 86 champs Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor, plus UP's JD Cagulangan, are among the local talents surrounding Howard et al.
GOING ALL-IN
To complement the brawn, Frank Lao made sure SGA head coach Tiu would have extra brain power on the bench by tapping the services of Brian Goorjan as consultant.
Goorjan is currently the coach of the Australian national team and he also coached the defunct Bay Area Dragons of the EASL.
The cost of bringing in three accomplished players with legit NBA credentials requires the budget that makes a company accountant go crazy.
But Lao doesn't see it that way.
"Joining a tournament is like getting into business. You have to go all-in. It doesn't guarantee anything but it gives you the best chance of growing your investment."
Mystery solved. This is why Frank Lao coined his team Strong Group.
The shy billionaire doesn't know what a weak effort looks like.
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