The Strong Group Athletics joining the PBA?! Who says no?
In a recent Facebook post of veteran sports insider Snow Badua, his connections inside the PBA have stated the some Board Members are suggesting to allow and encourage the Strong Group Athletics to join the league.
Here’s why I believe this must happen:
Upcoming 50th Celebration: More Teams, The Better
Last February 2025, it was revealed that Starhorse Shipping Lines was in the process of purchasing the expansion team, Terrafirma Dyip. The PBA Board have yet to announce their final verdict about this but if it gets approved, it’ll be better to have more teams competing in the PBA come the 50th Anniversary of the league on April 9.
Fans would be delighted to see more teams that are willing to win a championship considering how competitive the SGA has been in all of the international tournaments they have participated in previous years.
It will also be a beneficial factor if SGA as joins as they would not just have players in their lineup for the sake of adding players in the team, unlike some expansion teams.
Considering they also have made a team culture of their own, it’s exciting to see what they can do in a league that will be played for almost an entire year.
Coach Charles Tiu to return?
Last February 21 2025, it was announced to the public that Converge FiberXers Assistant Coach, Charles Tiu, is leaving his position to the team.
It can also be noted that he is the designated Head Coach of the Strong Group, so could this be a much awaited reunion?
Coach Charles has shown that he can handle the ego and talent of such basketball stars both foreign and local. He even has made multiple Finals appearances not only in the collegiate ranks as he is also the Head Coach of College of St. Benilde, but also in the William Jones Cup at Taiwan and Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Star Studded Players and Reinforcements
In the past, we’ve seen players suit up and represent the Philippines in international competitions, players who we never really thought would pick up a Philippine jersey.
NBA star players and Hall of Famers like Andre Robertson, DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard have represented the Philippines in the Dubai Tournaments. PBA import Chris McCullough has also been a member of the SGA while former Gilas Pilipinas Naturalized imports, Andray Blatche and Ange Kouame have also played as well.
For the locals, Rhenz Abando, Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso and former 2-time Finals MVP and PBA Champion Mikey Williams all have played under Coach Charles Tiu. Current PBA Rookies, RJ Abarrientos, Jordan Heading, Caelan Tiongson and Justine Baltazar have also worn the blue-and-black jersey in the past.
Money Issues? No Problem!
If there’s one characteristic that the Strong Group Athletics possess that can guarantee them a spot in the PBA, that would be having billions of money.
They have showcased in the past that they can accept high caliber imports with high caliber paychecks. They are also currently funding the basketball operations of the College of St. Benilde in NCAA and the volleyball team of Farm Fresh Foxies in the Premier Volleyball League.
Mr. Jacob Lao is the owner of the team and he is supported by his successful entrepreneur father, Mr. Frank Lao. The Lao family have ventured in all types of business, but one thing they’ll be very much known for is owning the team of Strong Group Athletics.
