DeMarcus Cousins, a four-time NBA All-Star and a 12-year league veteran, has been making waves in the Philippines. With his return to represent the country in the Dubai International Basketball Championship as part of Strong Group Athletics, many are speculating if Cousins might take his talents to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
But is Cousins truly interested in playing professional basketball in the Philippines? Here’s an in-depth look at his journey, his current role, and what he has to say about the prospect of joining Filipino basketball leagues.
DeMarcus Cousins is currently focused on helping Strong Group Athletics, led by Charles Tiu, in their quest for redemption at the Dubai International Basketball Championship from January 24 to February 2, 2025. His commitment to the team comes after their heartbreaking loss against Al Riyadi in last year’s finals.
“Our attention is on winning a championship in Dubai,” Cousins shared during a recent media availability in Mandaluyong. “It feels great to be back here. The same love, the same energy—I’m enjoying the experience.”
Cousins isn’t new to basketball in the Philippines. In 2024, he played a pivotal role in Zamboanga Valientes’ championship run during The Asian Tournament. His contributions showcased his ability to adapt to international playstyles and his commitment to Filipino basketball.
Is DeMarcus Cousins interested in playing professional hoops in the Philippines? https://t.co/85iDcv7sYi
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 19, 2025
Beyond his performance on the court, Cousins has embraced the role of a mentor. He is currently sharing his knowledge with promising players like Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag.
“I always enjoy passing around knowledge and teaching guys,” Cousins remarked. “That’s something I craved as a young player, and now it’s my responsibility to do the same.”
Cousins has specifically praised Kouame, a standout from Ateneo de Manila University, for his potential and eagerness to learn. “He’s got a lot of room to improve, but his willingness to get better makes him easy to mentor,” said Cousins.
When asked about potentially joining Filipino leagues like the PBA or MPBL, Cousins’ response was optimistic yet pragmatic.
“I’m a businessman. If it makes sense, absolutely,” he shared, emphasizing his openness to exploring professional opportunities in the country under the right circumstances.
Cousins’ repeated visits to the Philippines highlight his appreciation for the local basketball culture. The strong fan support, competitive leagues, and passionate players all contribute to making the Philippines an attractive destination for international athletes.
For now, Cousins remains focused on leading Strong Group Athletics to victory in Dubai. The team’s preparation has been intense, with Cousins noting the improvement in their chemistry and performance over the past few days.
“We’ve become better the last three or four days,” he said, underscoring the team’s commitment to their championship goal.
DeMarcus Cousins’ return to the Philippines and his continued contributions to Filipino basketball are a testament to his adaptability and love for the game. While his current focus is on winning a championship in Dubai, his openness to joining professional leagues like the PBA or MPBL keeps the door open for an exciting future in Philippine basketball.
As Cousins continues to mentor young players and represent the country on the international stage, fans eagerly await what the next chapter of his basketball journey will bring.
No, Cousins has not officially joined any Filipino professional league. However, he has expressed openness to the idea if the opportunity aligns with his goals.
Cousins is playing for Strong Group Athletics in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Cousins played a key role in Zamboanga Valientes’ championship run in The Asian Tournament in 2024.
Cousins is mentoring promising players such as Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag.
While nothing is confirmed, Cousins has expressed that he is open to playing in Filipino professional leagues if it makes sense for his career.
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