Two promising Fil-Am players complete the Mighty Sports-Philippine team that is seeking redemption in the 2019 Dubai International Basketball Championship slated Feb. 1 to 9.
Jeremiah Gray and Roosevelt Adams are expected to provide additional firepower and stability to the team that will be handled by coach Charles Tiu.
The 6-foot-4 Gray recently broke Dominican University of California’s single-season scoring record in the NCAA Division II with 509 points – a feat that enabled him to secure a spot in the All-PacWest Third Team.
The addition of the 6-foot-5 Adams likewise firms up the team’s backcourt crew since he’s also a good outside shooter.
“These two Fil-Am players are welcome additions to the team and we are hopeful they can easily adapt to the system of coach Charles,” said Mighty Sports co-team owner Alex Wongchuking.
Both Wongchuking and Tiu expressed confidence the team backed by Healthcube and Go For Gold will fare better this time after winning only once in its initial foray in the event that has lured some of the toughest teams from the Arab nations.
“The tournament is one of toughest events in the Middle East but we’re hopeful we will perform better this time,” said Wongchuking who co-owns the team with brother and long-time amateur basketball patron Caesar.
Spearheading the team are NBA veteran and former LA Lakers star Lamar Odom, Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee and Chinese Basketball Association import Randolph Morris.
Other members of the team are ex-Ginebra player Jett Manuel, Gab Banal, Joseph Yeo, University of the Philippines playmaker Juan Gomez de Liano, La Salle forward Santi Santillan, and College of St. Benilde’s Justin Gutang.
Tiu, however, is still looking for another ‘big’ to fortify their frontcourt rotation knowing full well that they will be up against taller and heftier rivals.
