Balkman backwith Mighty 5 for Dubai tilt

MANILA, Philippines — Mighty Sports Philippines has just got stronger with its reenlistment of Renaldo Balkman for the 31st Dubai International Basketball Championship set later this month. 

The presence of veteran import Balkman is expected to bring the already stacked Mighty Sports squad over the top against Asia’s finest ball clubs. 

This will mark the return of the 35-year-old Balkman to Mighty after anchoring the squad’s championship sweep of the 2019 William Jones Cup in Taiwan where he tallied all-around norms of 19.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.1 steals.

Also a former reinforcement of San Miguel in the PBA and Alab Pilipinas in the ABL, the 6-foot-8 Puerto Rican will form a daunting frontline with ex-Gilas Pilipinas naturalized Andray Blatche, Rain or Shine slotman Beau Belga and Filipino teen tower prodigy Kai Sotto. 

The 7-foot-2 Sotto flies back from the US next week in time to join the Mighty campaign in the Dubai tilt set Jan. 23-Feb. 1 at the Shabab Al Ahli Club. 

Backstopping them is a bevy of collegiate standouts led by three-time UAAP champion and Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo. 

La Salle’s Jamie Malonzo, UP’s Juan and Javi Gomez De Liano, Fil-Am prospect Mikey Williams and NU’s Dave Ildefonso are also in to roster of the Charles Tiu-mentored squad. 

Mighty will face off with Al Ahli of Libya, Al Riyadi and Beirut Sports Club of Lebanon, Alwathba Sports Club and Al Ittihad of Syria, the UAE national team and Alittihad Alexandria Club and American School in Dubai.