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    Strong Group to represent PH in Dubai tilt

    Jacob Lao-owned team tries to duplicate feat of Mighty Sports in 2020
    Dec 23, 2022
    Jacob Lao Converge assistant team manager
    Graduating Ateneo guard Jacob Lao turns into a team owner.
    PHOTO: Marlo Cueto

    STRONG Group Philippines will be heading to the Middle East to represent the country in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship.

    Strong Group reps PH in Dubai

    St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu will once again call the shots for the Filipino club which will be looking to put on another show for the invitational tourney from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5 next year.

    Graduating Ateneo guard and incoming Converge assistant team manager Jacob Lao owns the club under Strong Group Realty and Development Corp. as they try to replicate the success that Mighty Sports Philippines had in 2020.

    "Representing the country is one thing to be proud off already but I'm really excited to be part of something special with a special set of guys," said Lao, who's expected to name the roster in the coming days.

    Tiu is no stranger to this competition, stewarding the Caesar Wongchuking-owned Mighty team led by Renaldo Balkman and Andray Blatche to the crown back in 2020.

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      They became the first non-Middle Eastern team to win the Dubai tilt after dethroning Lebanese squad Al Riyadi in the final to complete a seven-game sweep.

      That Mighty team featured future stars like Mikey Williams, Thirdy Ravena, Jamie Malonzo, and upstarts Isaac Go, Dave Ildefonso, and brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano, alongside veterans Beau Belga and Joseph Yeo.

      Lao added that Wongchuking gave way to Strong Group as he welcomes the arrival of new blood in the Philippine basketball scene and continue the country's winning tradition in the said tourney.

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      Graduating Ateneo guard Jacob Lao turns into a team owner.
      PHOTO: Marlo Cueto
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