A TEAM that’s full of experience and filled with battle-hardened veterans are bracing for plenty of late-night games in the Middle East.
This is what’s in store for Mighty Sports-Philippines, which is going to join a tournament Dubai this week and is departing from Manila today.
Head coach Charles Tiu said that the team may have been formed only last week, but Mighty Sports-Philippines is all set to see action in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament when it gets going this Friday in one of the premier cities of the United Arab Emirates.
“You can’t get complicated (with this team). By just keeping it simple, and by taking advantage of any advantage you have on the best positions, and getting the team familiar with one another, then, you have chemistry with this team,” said Tiu on that squad that he will be handling.
Tiu discussed Mighty Sports’ coming campaign during a sendoff last Sunday at the Chateau 1771 in Greenbelt 5, Makati.
Former PBA MVP Willie Miller, two former NBA players in Hasheem Thabeet and Dominic McGuire will lead the team.
Charles’ brother Chris Tiu is there with Beau Belga, big man Marcus Douthit, Justine Brownlee, Gab Banal, Ryan Arana and Gary David.
They also added Jeron Teng, Kiefer Ravena and new College of St. Benilde coach TY Tang.
Head of delegation Bo Perasol said 10 teams in 2 divisions are playing in the games, which will be held mostly in the evening.
And with their success last year in the 2016 William Jones Cup and the Merlion Cup, they expect them to go beyond the quarterfinals.
“Importante, we get the top seeding. The tournament is on Feb. 18. We have to be there early because it’s difficult to adjust,” said Perasol.
With the presence of young players like Teng and Ravena, team officials expect the Filipino community to show up for the games.
Manager Jean Alabanza said the team is now going places after their success in the Jones Cup.
“We are now going international after our success in the Jones Cup,” he said.
