Strong Group taps ex-NBA gunner

Strong Group Athletics continues to beef up its squad for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship with National Basketball Association (NBA) Malachi Richardson and journeyman Terry Larrier as new recruits.

Richardson was selected 22nd overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and played for the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors before stints in Israel, Italy, Poland, Indonesia, and Mexico.

Richardson is the third NBA veteran to join Strong Group this year after DeMarcus Cousins and Andray Blatche.

Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu believes the 29-year-old guard’s shooting will be an asset as the team aims to redeem itself from last year’s campaign.

The Philippines will have two teams competing in the Dubai tilt with Strong Group and the Zamboanga Valientes in this prestigious invitational tournament.

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

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-7 Larrier played for the San Diego Clippers and the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G League, giving Strong Group another option inside the paint.

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

Richardson and Larrier are also set to team up with Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez in Strong Group.