ABANDO, ILDEFONSO FINALLY RESURFACE AT SGA FOR DUBAI TOURNAMENT

AFTER quite a while on the shelf, Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso are back on the table, as they lead Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship from January 24 to February 2.

Abando, formerly of Anyang Jung Kwan Jang in the Korean Basketball League, and Ildefonso, selected fifth overall in the 2024 PBA Draft but is yet to sign with NorthPort, were both last seen in an official game in July of last year while playing for SGA as well in the Jones Cup.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

There, they helped the Philippine side to the championship and this time, they will be tasked to do the same in the tourney where the Filipinos settled for silver a year ago.

SGA's redemption?

The ex-Gilas Pilipinas players will be flanked by former NBA All-Star Demarcus Cousins and Asian basketball veteran Jason Brickman, as well as Ange Kouame and Andray Blatche.

"They’ve both proven themselves on big stages before, but this tournament will be a test of their ability to lead and deliver under pressure," said SGA coach Charles Tiu, as his side will no longer have the services of Jordan Heading, Kevin Quiambao, and JD Cagulangan.

Also coming back for more for SGA are NCAA Season 100 MVP Allen Liwag and Benilde teammates Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez.

2025-01-10T10:08:20Z