The team lost its presumed starting center ahead of their Dubai tilt.
Calling on all Filipino big men, Coach Charles Tiu needs you.
On Monday, Tiu took to Twitter to find a big who might be available to join Strong Group Realty's team for the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates.
Tiu’s tweet came after Angelo Kouame was ruled out of the tournament due to dengue. Kouame has been recovering in the hospital, forcing him to miss both Strong Group and Gilas practices.
With Kouame out, Strong Group’s frontline has gone noticeably smaller with Renaldo Balkman leading the way. Joining the former PBA import in the team’s frontcourt are Will Gozum and Justine Baltazar.
Speaking to News5, the Strong Group tactician said they are eyeing to recruit DLSU’s Kevin Quiambao. They’ve also tried other big names to join the squad, but these players were unavailable.
“We are trying to get Kevin Quiambao. First option was Andray Blatche and Justin Brownlee but both [are] unavailable,” said Tiu.
The 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship is set from January 27 to February 5.