SGA signs Cousins for Dubai campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA All-Star Demarcus Cousins is set to strut his stuff for a Philippine ball club once again.

The 6-foot-10 anchor has been signed by Strong Group Athletics (SGA) over the weekend as its first player for a redemption tour in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship on Jan. 24 to Feb. 2.

SGA will be the second Filipino team of the 34-year-old NBA standout after serving as a key cog for the Zamboanga Valientes in their championship run in The Asian Tournament this year.

A fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Cousins is expected to provide a steady presence for SGA that’s out to improve on its runner-up finish to Al Riyadi of Lebanon last year.

“We worked hard to get DeMarcus. I’ve heard great feedback about him, and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. He’s serious, means business, and wants to win. We’ve even been discussing personnel matters already,” said SGA mentor Charles Tiu.