Old head? DeMarcus Cousins ‘enjoying’ mentor role in SGA stint
MANILA, Philippines – Once a young player in pursuit of basketball knowledge, DeMarcus Cousins is paying it forward as he embraces the role of a mentor for the Strong Group Athletics in its title bid in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
During their training session on Sunday, January 19, the 34-year-old Cousins took pride in guiding his younger teammates, most notably Gilas Pilipinas naturalized big man Ange Kouame, who was tasked to defend the 11-year NBA veteran in the drills conducted by head coach Charles Tiu.
The 6-foot-10 Cousins gave the 6-foot-11 Kouame tips on both offense and defense all practice long.
“You know, I got called old the other day and it kind of bothered me, but it kind of put things into perspective for me,” said Cousins, a four-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA Second Team member.
“I’m on the other side of things. I’m now the veteran guy on most teams that I join so I’m enjoying the experience, I’m enjoying the role. I’ve always enjoyed just passing around knowledge and teaching guys.”
“That’s something that I’ve always craved for as a young player, so it’s my responsibility to do the same and give back.”
Cousins — who arrived in Manila last Wednesday, January 15 — likes what he is seeing so far from Strong Group, which is eager to bounce back from its heartbreaking silver-medal finish last year after losing to Al Riyadi in the final off a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
“We’ve come here, we’ve competed for the last three to four days, and we’ve gotten better with each day,” said Cousins, who also won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
“Our intention and goal is to win a championship in Dubai, so we’re working towards that. From Day 1 to now, it’s a totally different team, so I’m excited about that.”
“We’re learning quickly, the chemistry is coming along greatly, the camaraderie is coming along greatly, so everything has been on the right direction.”
Cousins said he is thrilled to be back in Manila as his stint with SGA marks the second time that he is reinforcing a Philippine club.
He led the Zamboanga Valientes to a championship in The Asian Tournament in 2024.
“It feels great to be back. Same support as last time, same love. I feel the same energy,” Cousins said.
“I’ve had more time this time in Manila, so I’m getting more opportunity to get out, so I’m excited for that. [The weather is] hot just like last time. That didn’t change, but overall, I’m happy to be back. I’ve enjoyed the experience so far,” he added.
Aside from Cousins, former NBA players Andray Blatche and Malachi Richardson, fellow import Terry Larrier, as well as locals Kouame, Mikey Williams, and Jason Brickman, among others, are expected to lead the charge for Strong Group in the Dubai tiff, which will run from January 24 to February 2. –Rappler.com