In around ten days, the best teams from Asia and the Middle East will meet in Dubai to compete in the International Basketball Championship, a benchmark tournament in the region which takes place from January 19 to 28. For the Philippines, no club, but a selection of the best local players, supported by half a dozen Americans.
We know that Dwight Howard has agreed to play with this Strong Group, and we learn that he will team up with Andray Blatche, a naturalized Filipino for several years, and Andrew Roberson. Lost sight of after a very serious knee injury in 2018, he simply wants to rediscover the pleasure of playing without pain.
Free from pain
“It’s a great opportunity to discover more about myself, not only myself or my career, but also to enjoy life in itself and overcome past trials, the torture of rehabilitation phases, constant pain,” says Andre Roberson. “I went from fighting pain to finally being healthy. Mentally, it's like I'm free from pain. »
At only 32 years old, the former Thunder defender considers this tournament a jubilee. “I just want to take one last opportunity before I hang up my shoes and move on to another career,” he continues on the microphone of Courtside Club podcast. “I kind of want to walk away and be satisfied to some extent. »
A dive into the unknown
This is the first time he will play abroad, and it will probably be the last time, but the prospect of diving into the unknown appealed to him. “It's about playing a different type of basketball, not to mention joining a team I know nothing about, the same for the players… Not to mention the referees who whistle differently. That’s a whole bunch of new avenues to take. »
But the most important thing is to get back on the pitch and do what he loves. And why not treat yourself to a nice reward. “It's clear that my body and my head need to feel good… Not necessarily happy, but hungry again. I have the sacred fire and the desire to go on the field and be very good again. It's about going out there and winning the tournament. Obviously I also want to play well.”
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