FILE – Dwight Howard and the Strong Group Athletics team in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.–SGA FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Howard may not be suiting up for Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championship but he remains rooting for the Philippines.

In fact, the former NBA superstar even said he refused to play for other squads that tried to recruit him for the Dubai tournament set to tip off on January 24.

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“I got offered to play for a couple teams in the Dubai tournament but I can’t go against my Pinoy fans. Let’s go, Strong Group! Let’s go, Dray Live! Let’s go, Boogie! Let’s go, coach Charles! Stay Strong,” wrote Howard on X on Monday.

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Howard spearheaded Strong Group’s campaign in Dubai last year but left unfinished business when the Philippine side lost in the title game to Lebanon’s Al-Riyadi on a buzzer-beater.

READ: Dwight Howard carries Strong Group into Dubai tournament finals

Another ex-NBA standout in DeMarcus Cousins has been tapped to fill in the void left by Howard in the middle. Backstopping Cousins is the returning Andray Blatche along with other American reinforcements Malachi Richardson and Terry Larrier.

"This series is not just about the two teams playing; it's about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi. We hope this will inspire more young players from the region to take up the game," Harmanpreet stated in a press release issued by Hockey India.

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Former TNT Tropang Giga ace Mikey Williams is also expected to play a big role for Strong Group.

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SGA coach Charles Tiu is hoping to have Howard back in the fold for next year’s tilt.

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“My guy we will miss you this year but next year let’s run it back for sure,” Tiu said in a reply to Howard’s post.

The 39-year-old Howard, a vital piece in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run, last played for the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament, where he is also the part owner.

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