Strong Group Athletics (SGA) continues to improve after three straight wins in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

But as they face Amman United on Thursday at 1 a.m. (Manila time) at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai, head coach Charles Tiu knows there is still a lot of work to be done.

Tiu told DAILY TRIBUNE that while they are doing well despite their limited preparation, they still have to work hard to boost their chances to win the prestigious title.

In its 85-78 win over Beirut First of Lebanon, four-time National Basketball Association All-Star DeMarcus Cousins delivered with a double-double game of 26 points and 12 rebounds while former Ateneo de Manila University stars Ange Kouame and Dave Ildefonso dropped 14 and 12 points, respectively, to keep the Filipino club on top of Group A with a 3-0 win-loss record.

“We are good so far. We are starting to play better after each game. Let’s not forget we’ve never played together,” Tiu said, knowing that winning the title takes a lot of hard work both inside and outside the playing court.

“Still lots of room to improve.”

Against Amman United, a familiar face for Filipino basketball fans will be at the other end of the court.

Heady playmaker Freddy Ibrahim will be the man to watch out for the Jordan-based club after playing for the national squad against Gilas Pilipinas in the third round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue in 2023.

The Jordanians, led by TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, then clashed with Gilas again in the gold medal match of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Gilas, however, had the last laugh, beating the Jordanians, 70-60, for the Filipinos’ first Asian Games gold medal in men’s basketball after 61 years.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes are competing against Lebanese club Sagesse SC at press time.