JUSTINE BALTAZAR and Will Gozum were added to the roster of Strong Group-Philippines that will see action in the Dubai 2023 International Championship set January 27 to February 5.
Team owner Jacob Lao was elated with the inclusion of the two tested players.
“They’re all winners in their own ways and their experience will surely help the team for them.” Lao said. “But I’m very excited for all of them because it’s a rare opportunity for these players to further grow and learn a new style of play internationally.”
“They’re all very talented individuals who can complement and play specific roles that the team needs,” he added.
BJ Andrade and Inand Fornillos were also added to the team, that includes former Golden State Warriors player Nick Young, ex-San Miguel Beer import Renaldo Balkman, naturalized player and former Ateneo center Ange Kouame and Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield.
Coach Charles Tiu said the Dubai event will give Baltazar the opportunity to prove his worth after a forgettable stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.
“Balti [Baltazar] is going to be big for us, he wasn’t given much of a chance in Japan but the kid is a great player and I plan to use him as a big wing and power forward,” Tiu said. “But of course it all remains to be seen on how it will look when we start practicing.”
Gozum is no stranger to Tiu’s coaching style having played under him at the College of Saint Benilde.