After playing three games each, the record of the Philippine teams in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship are the complete opposite. But how did that happen?
An Even Stronger Group
The Strong Group Athletics Philippines has replicated its strong start to last year’s Dubai tournament. They have also won three games in a row and have not lost any of their elimination matches.
Through three games, it’s clear that the main point of their offense goes to Chris McCullough. He averages 21.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1 steal, and 0.6 blocks per game. He is definitely “Mr. Do It All” for the team coached by Charles Tiu. The second leading scorer of the SGA is the former NBA Superstar and their second import, Demarcus Cousins who is a beast in the paint. He averages 19.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3 APG, 1.3 SPG and 0.6 BPG. For their third reinforcement, Malachi Richardson has also done wonders for them. He averages 12 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1 SPG as he mimics the outside/perimeter shooting of Chris McCullough in order for other players to operate in the shaded area.
Much to the surprise of a lot of fans, the leading local scorer of SGA is actually Dave Ildefonso. He averages 9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.6 APG and 0.6 SPG. While he takes care of the scoring department, his local co-stars are responsible for the other areas that have a 3-o record. Rhenz Abando averages 3 RPG, 0.3 AP,G and 1 SPG while Mikey Williams averages 2.6 RPG, 4.6 APG, and 1.3 SPG.
The average winning margin of SGA is 9 points per outing and their average score is 94.3 points per game. They have won against the National Team of UAE 99 – 91, against Al Nasr SC 99 – 87 and against Beirut First 85 – 78. They have clinched an assured playoff berth in their respective group and many fans anticipate their appearance in the Finals.
On January 30 2025 at 1:00 AM (PH Date and Time), SGA will play their last elimination game against Amman United.
Here are the averages of the other players of Strong Group:
- Jason Brickman – 5.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 4 APG, 0.6 SPG
- Ange Kouame – 6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.3 APG
- Andray Blatche – 2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1 APG
- Allen Liwag – 2 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.5 APG
Fallen Valientes
The Zamboanga Valientes are a must-see TV since a majority of their players came from the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League but their resilience and bravery can only go so far. They have won zero out of their three elimination games. They even average a losing margin of 21 points per outing.
One very bright spot that they have is their 7-foot-7 reinforcement Sam Deguara. He cannot be stopped underneath the basket but he can only do so much. Through three games, he averaged 16.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG. Since his offense is only limited to the shaded area, the 2nd import of the Valientes Adonis Thomas has been efficient in the perimeter area and oftentimes in the three-point arc. He averaged 18.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 3 APG, 0.3 SPG and 0.3 BPG. Zamboanga do get the numbers they are expecting from their import but this didn’t translate to any wins at all.
For their local players, Prince Caperal, a sweet-shooting big man, provided the numbers needed. He averaged 10.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 0.6 APG. Most of his shots taken are similar to Thomas which is located in the three-point line allowing their 7-foot-7 giant to beast underneath. Aside from Caperal, their other locals have been nothing but disappointment. Namely, Kyt Jimenez who was recently released by the San Miguel Beermen from the Philippine Basketball Association. A lot were excited to see his “streetball moves” take place in Dubai but that was nowhere near to what Pinoy fans saw. Kyt only averaged 3 PPG and 3.3 RPG.
With a 0-3 record in their respective group, they have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Zamboanga Valientes are hoping to end their Dubai campaign with a win in their last game against the National Team of Tunisia on January 29 2025 at 9:00 PM (PH Date and Time).
Here are the averages of the other players of Valientes:
- Nic Cabañero – 8.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG
- Forthsky Padrigao – 7.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
- Mike Tolomia – 7.6 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG
- Malick Diouf – 2.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.6 BPG
- Denver Cadiz – 4 PPG, 1 RPG, 1 SPG
- Rudy Lingganay Jr. – 1 RPG, 0.6 APG
- Rashawn McCarthy – 1 PPG, 1.3 APG
