00:00Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins is not closing his doors to playing professional basketball in the Philippines.
00:07Paulo Salamatin has the details.
00:12Cousins is set to return to the country for the second time as an import after helping the Zamboanga Valientes win the championship in the Asian Tournament last August.
00:20This year, the 6'10 NBA veteran will play for the Strong Group Athletics, participating in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
00:28At 34 years old with over 12 years of NBA experience and 4 All-Star selections, Cousins says he enjoys playing in different countries in what he calls the twilight of his career.
00:40During practice sessions last weekend, Cousins shared the possibility of playing professionally in the Philippines full-time.
00:58I'm excited for that. Hot just like last time. That didn't change, but overall I'm happy to be back. I've enjoyed the experience so far.
01:08We've come here, we've competed for the last 3-4 days, we've gotten better with each day. Our intentions and goals are to win the championship in Dubai and we're working towards that.
01:20Aside from trying out pro basketball in different places, he also finds joy in sharing his vast experience with the younger generation of players.
01:29I got called old the other day and it kind of bothered me, but it kind of put things into perspective for me. I am on the other side of things. I'm now that veteran guy on most teams that I join.
01:41I'm enjoying the experience, I'm enjoying the role. I always enjoy just passing around knowledge and teaching guys under me. That's something that I always craved as a young player, so it's my responsibility to do the same and give back.
01:55With a strong roster, Strong Group Athletics aims to improve on their runner-up finish in last year's tournament.
02:01The team is set to fly to Dubai this week for the competition which runs from January 24 to February 2.
02:08Paulo Salamatina, from the National TV Network, for the New and Better Philippines.
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