Game today:

(Al-Nasr Stadium)

11:15 p.m. — Strong Group vs UAE

The time has come for Strong Group Athletics to strut its stuff as it takes on the United Arab Emirates national team in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Stadium in Dubai on Friday.

Tipoff is at 11:15 p.m. (Manila time) as former National Basketball Association player Dwight Howard formally makes his long-awaited debut for the squad after weeks of preparation.

Strong Group is in Group B with UAE, Al-Wahda Damascus of Syria, Lebanon's Homenetmen Beirut and Beirut Club.

The squad is aiming to do better than its previous campaign last year after a 97-107 quarterfinal exit against Wael Arakji and Al Riyadi Club Beirut of Lebanon.

Strong Group landed in Dubai last Thursday and will have a short time to adjust before facing the Emiratis in their first match of the tournament.

The team will be bannered by National Basketball Association veterans Andre Roberson, McKenzie Moore, Andray Blatche and Howard, who was a part of the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

"Landed in Dubai. See you guys. Hope you can support @stronggroupathl !! We play the (UAE) national team at 7:15 pm tomorrow!" Tiu said in a social media post.

Strong Group will also be backed by young Filipino stars led by 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, Justine Baltazar and Jordan Heading helping out the team.

Initially, Strong Group opted to go for former TNT Tropang Giga player Mikey Williams but went radio silent as team manager Jacob Lao said he was not responding to them.