DeMarcus Cousins to reinforce Strong Group in Dubai hoops tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins will be representing a Philippine squad once again.

The 34-year-old big man will don the Philippine colors anew, this time for the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) team that will compete in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship from January 24 to February 2 next year.

In a statement, SGA head coach Charles Tiu confirmed that Cousins will be a big boost for the squad.

“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,” Tiu said.

Earlier this year, Cousins played for the Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament.

And now, he will play for the SGA squad that settled for silver in this year’s Dubai tourney after suffering a heartbreaker against Al-Riyadi in the final.

Cousins was previously a star in the NBA who played 12 years in the league, having stints with the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets.

He is a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA second team member before injuries hit him.

SGA president Jacob Lao, for his part, said that signing Cousins “is a huge step in the right direction.”

“We’re thrilled to have someone of his caliber leading our redemption bid. In the days to come, we’re hoping to sign more NBA veterans and top Filipino prospects to strengthen our squad and finally bring home the Dubai crown,” he said.

Cousins, in a post on X (formerly Twitter,) said that he "cannot wait to help bring home SGA's first-ever Dubai International Basketball championship." 

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaming up with @charlestiu, Jacob Lao and @stronggroupathl to represent the Philippines in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament. Cant wait to help bring home SGA’s first-ever Dubai International Basketball championship. Let’s get to… pic.twitter.com/MJUqHTqFhB

— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) December 21, 2024