MANILA – Strong Group Athletics has hired former NBA player Malachi Richardson and journeyman forward Terry Larrier to beef up its line-up for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Richardson, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, and Larrier, a small forward standing 6-foot-7, will join the team bannered by DeMarcus Cousins, naturalized Filipinos Angelo Kouame and Andray Blatche in the tournament scheduled from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2.

Richardson was the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He also played for the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors before going overseas to play for clubs in Israel, Italy, Poland, Indonesia, and Mexico.

“Malachi is a great shooter, a true professional, and has shown a great attitude so far,” Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu said on Monday. “We believe he’ll be a vital part of our success in Dubai.”

Larrier, who is from New York, played for San Diego and Winconsin in the G League. He also had stints in Sweden, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Romania, Venezuela, South Africa, and Qatar.

“We want guys who can help spread the floor for DeMarcus,” Tiu explained.

Also in the Strong Group Athletics roster are Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez. (PNA)