OPISYAL na lumagda si dating NBA star DeMarcus Cousins sa Strong Group Athletics (SGA) bilang unang big-name reinforcement nito para sa redemption campaign sa 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship sa January 24 hanggang February 2, 2025.
Si Cousins, 34, ay isang towering 6-foot-10 center na may matagumpay na 12-year career sa NBA, kabilang ang stints sa Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, at Denver Nuggets.
Isang four-time NBA All-Star at two-time All-NBA Second Team member, si Cousins ay kilala sa kanyang versatility at dominasyon sa paint.
“We worked hard to get DeMarcus. I’ve heard great feedback about him, and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. He’s serious, means business, and wants to win. We’ve even been discussing personnel matters already,” sabi ni SGA head coach Charles Tiu.
Matapos ang kanyang NBA career, ipinakita ni Cousins ang kanyang talento sa global stage.
Noong 2023, naglaro siya sa Puerto Rico para sa Mets de Guaynabo, sa Taiwan sa Taiwan Beer Leopards at Taiwan Mustangs, at sa Zamboanga Valientes.
Kamakailan lamang ay naglaro siya para sa Wuxi sa 2024 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Circuit.
Nagpahayag ng kumpiyansa si SGA president Jacob Lao hinggil sa pagbuo ng mapanganib na roster para sa darating na torneo.
“Signing DeMarcus Cousins is a huge step in the right direction. We’re thrilled to have someone of his caliber leading our redemption bid. In the days to come, we’re hoping to sign more NBA veterans and top Filipino prospects to strengthen our squad and finally bring home the Dubai crown,” sabi ni Lao.
Ang mga Pinoy ay tumapos bilang runners-up sa 33rd edition ng torneo makaraang yumuko sa perennial powerhouse Al-Riyadi sa finals.