Strong Group Athletics (SGA) is thrilled to face reigning champion Al Riyadi Beirut when they compete in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship next week.

Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu told DAILY TRIBUNE that they want another crack at the Lebanese after dealing them a heartbreaking 74-77 defeat in the gold medal match last year.

“Hopefully, we get to face Al Riyadi so we can get back at them,” said Tiu, whose wards are tipped to go all out against the Lebanese as well as other clubs like Al Ahli SC of Libya, Beirut Sports Club of Lebanon, and the national teams of Tunisia and Jordan.

Another Filipino club in Zamboanga Valientes is also seeing action in one of Asia’s most prestigious invitational basketball events.

Al Riyadi is considered the tournament’s gold standard as it won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

Despite parading National Basketball Association (NBA) veterans Andre Roberson, Andray Blatche, and NBA champion Dwight Howard as well as University Athletic Association of the Philippines stalwarts JD Cagulangan and Kevin Quiambao, Strong Group still crumbled after seeing Ismail Abdelmoneim bury a buzzer-beating triple in the championship match last year.

But the Lebanese squad grew stronger and more confident this year after winning the Lebanese Basketball League, the West Asia Super League, and the FIBA Basketball Champions League Asia last year.

They also finished fourth in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore last September after losing to the National Basketball League side Tasmania JackJumpers, 75-80, in the bronze medal match.

While veteran guard Wael Arakji won’t be seeing action as he is currently joining forces with Thirdy Ravena in Dubai BC, Al Riyadi will still be a force to be reckoned with due to the presence of center Elmedin Kikanović and former NLEX import Manny Harris.