Four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is giving head coach Charles Tiu a helping hand in mentoring the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) team revving up for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship this week in the United Arab Emirates.

Cousins, who arrived in the country last week, said during Strong Group’s open workout on Sunday in Mandaluyong City that he’s ecstatic to return to the country and received the same warm welcome from Filipino hoops fans.

Before hooking up with SGA, Cousins played for the Zamboanga Valientes in 2024 and won The Asian Tournament title.

“It feels great to be back. Same support as last time, same love. I feel that same energy,” Cousins said.

“I’ve had more time this time in Manila, so I’ve really got to, well, not really get out, but I’m getting more opportunity to get out, so I’m excited for that. Hot, just like last time, so that didn’t change, but overall, I’m happy to be back. I’ve enjoyed the experience so far.”

Cousins will join forces with NBA veterans Malachi Richardson and Andray Blatche as well as the local crew of Mikey Williams, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Chris Koon, Jason Brickman, Ange Kouame, Liwag, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez and National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

Despite playing only a few days with the squad, Cousins likes how they adapted quickly and formed their chemistry in their scrimmages.

“Like I said, we’ve gotten better every day. From day one to now, it’s a totally different team, so I’m excited about that. We’re learning quickly,” Cousins said.

“The chemistry is coming along greatly. The camaraderie is coming along greatly, so everything’s moving in the right direction.”

More than just becoming one of Strong Group’s main options in offense, the 34-year-old big man also takes on the role of mentor to the squad, even if it means being a bit competitive in scrimmages.

“It’s definitely not an argument. Have you played sports before? You should know that’s not an argument,” Cousins said.

“My job is to teach,” he added.

That competitiveness in training could help Strong Group in the long run as they face tough squads down the road.

Apart from Al Riyari, Beirut Sports Club of Lebanon will also be competing in the tournament as well as the national teams of Tunisia and Jordan.

Another Filipino basketball team in Zamboanga Valientes is also slated to participate with the likes of former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf and University of Santo Tomas players Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero.

Head coach Charles Tiu believes he and his coaching staff are optimistic they can finally reach the top and knock off the crown off Al Riyadi, which will be competing without point guard Wael Arakji, Lebanon’s do-it-all guard.

Joining Tiu’s staff are College of Saint Benilde assistant coach Paolo Layug, De La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, and former Chiba Jets tactician Zoran Martic.

“I’m excited because I really feel this year I think we have a better chance. I think we have a really good group of local players and I think that’s going to be a big difference for us,” Tiu said.

“Hopefully we can have two more practices.”

But given the schedule, it doesn’t look as if SGA will be afforded two workouts before the cagefest begins.