Tiu raves about Cousins’ NBA pedigree

Despite his last-minute arrival, DeMarcus Cousins should have no problem blending with the rest of the Strong Group Athletics players revving up for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championships, which take the spotlight from 24 January to 2 February in the United Arab Emirates.

Obviously, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu is not bothered that Cousins, a four-time National Basketball Association All-Star, came in late to reinforce the squad that is bidding to redeem itself from the heartbreak of last year’s campaign.

Cousins, who won gold twice for the United States in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics, is listed at 6-foot-10 and will be the squad’s main man inside the paint.

“We haven’t had the full team yet so let’s see when we are complete,” Tiu said.

Still, Tiu insists “Cousins is still in his prime and he’s in great shape.”

Cousins, who saw action for seven NBA teams after his stint with the Kentucky Wildcats in the US NCAA, swears the 2010 fifth overall pick, “(will be) a killer out there so I’m excited to have him. He will be dominant.”

This is the second time the 34-year-old Cousins will be playing for a Filipino club after playing for the Zamboanga Valientes last year in The Asian Tournament.

Tiu is confident Cousins will be able to adapt right away with the team.

“It should be easy. He’s a pro and he’s a smart player,” Tiu said.

Cousins can’t wait to work with the team as they plot their redemption after losing to Al Riyadi of Lebanon in the final last year.

“It feels great to be back. I’m excited, ready to get with the team, get with the guys, build this chemistry, and get the ball rolling,” Cousins said.

“I’m excited to be here, grateful to be here, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Also joining Strong Group for the Dubai tilt is guard Chris Koon.

Tiu said the former Ateneo de Manila University guard adds firepower for them in the competition.

“He has good size as a wing, can shoot, can defend. I think he will be a good role player for us,” Tiu said.

“And we all know he’s been well coached and comes from a great school and program, so it’s good to have him.”

Cousins and Koon will join a Strong Group side that has the likes of Mikey Williams, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Angelo Kouame, Andray Blatche, Malachi Richardson, Terry Larrie, National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez.