Strong Group will be playing with caution when it battles the best club teams in the Middle East in the 33d Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Stadium in Dubai.

Despite parading a star-studded roster featuring former National Basketball Association stars Dwight Howard, Andray Blatche and Andre Roberson, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu still vowed to be careful when they open their campaign against the United Arab Emirates national team on Friday at 11:30 p.m. (Manila time).

Tiu and the squad are already in Dubai as they seek to avenge their quarterfinal finish last year.

"We need to work on everything. Playing defense and getting more fluid on offense. Working on getting better shape," Tiu said shortly before leaving on Wednesday morning.

Aside from Howard, Blatche and Roberson, former TNT Tropang Giga import McKenzie Moore will also serve as reinforcement with De La Salle University stars Francis Escandor and University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, College of Saint Benilde standouts Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag with JD Cagulangan and Justine Baltazar providing support.

Meanwhile, helping Tiu out on the sidelines are Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Brian Goorjian of Australia, Green Archers mentor Topex Robinson and former Blazers coach TY Tang.

Tiu said they will hit the ground running and prepare as soon as they reach the mineral-rich country.

"Yes, we have started our scouting already," Tiu said.

"That's our job to figure out. We have film sessions and walk-throughs to get it done."