Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins says he's open to pro stint in PH

Back in the country for another tour of duty, DeMarcus Cousins said the possibility of him playing professional basketball in the Philippines, whether in the PBA or MPBL, isn't a far-fetched idea.

After all, the former NBA star has been in the overseas scene for quite some time now.

"I’m a businessman. If it makes sense, absolutely," Cousins said on Sunday.

Cousins, a former fifth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in 2010, last played for the Denver Nuggets in 2022 to wrap up his 12-year run in the NBA. He has since then brought his act abroad, strutting his stuff in various countries like Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and Mongolia.

Last year, he flew to the Philippines to reinforce the Zamboanga Valientes in the Asian Tournament, where the Filipino ballclub completed a title sweep in their homecourt at the Zamboanga Coliseum.

He's back in the country now, this time with the Strong Group Athletics as they look to regain the Philippines' glory in the Dubai International Basketball Championship later this month.

And playing in the PBA could be his next move, especially with a number of former NBA players currently suiting up as imports in the league like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT and Cheick Diallo of Converge.

But while the chances of him playing for a local team is afloat, Cousins stressed his focused is helping SGA in its redemption tour in Dubai as he teams up with Andray Blatche and Ange Kouame as well as local players Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Mikey Williams, and Jason Brickman.

"It feels great to be back. Same supporters last time, same love. I feel that same energy," Cousins said.

"We've gotten better every day. From day one 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's moving in the right direction."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News