STRONG Group Athletics (SGA) is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to form a squad that can stand in the tough 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Representing the Philippines in the tournament that will take place on January 24 to February 2 in Dubai, SGA added two more highly touted players to a lineup that already features two ex-NBA players in DeMarcus Cousins and Andray Blatche.

Former NBA player Malachi Richardson and journeyman forward Terry Larrier have been tapped by the Charles Tiu-coached SGA squad that also has naturalized Filipino Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez.

The 6-foot-6 Richardson was the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and has played for the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors in the NBA.

From the NBA, Richardson went overseas, suiting up for clubs in Israel, Italy, Poland, Indonesia, and Mexico.

“Malachi is a great shooter, a true professional, and has shown a great attitude so far,” Tiu said in a statement. “We believe he’ll be a vital part of our success in Dubai.”

Larrier is a 6-foot-7 small forward from New York and has played in the G League teams such as San Diego and Wisconsin.

Larrier also boasts an extensive international résumé with stints in Sweden, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Romania, Venezuela, South Africa, and Qatar.

Tiu believes that Richardson and Larrier will provide what SGA needs to bounce back from a sorry championship loss in the same tournament last year.

“We want guys who can help spread the floor for DeMarcus,” Tiu said.(CCM)

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