Strong Group-Pilipinas opens Jones Cup campaign against UAE

Strong Group-Pilipinas is is gearing up to represent the country as they prepare to compete in the highly-anticipated 43rd William Jones Cup against the United Arab Emirates this Saturday in Taipei.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. and the Philippine team is eager to bring home the Jones Cup title, a feat they last achieved in 2019 through Mighty Sports.

Represented by Rain or Shine, the Philippines settled for a seventh-place finish in the previous year’s competition. However, with a strong lineup featuring former PBA champion import Chris McCullough and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame, the team is optimistic about their chances of securing their seventh title under the guidance of coach Charles Tiu.

Joining McCullough and Kouame on the court will be reinforcement Tajuan Agee, forming a formidable triple-tower frontline. The backcourt will be led by seasoned guard Kiefer Ravena, supported by Jordan Heading, Dave Ildefonso, and RJ Abarrientos.

The wings will be patrolled by Rhenz Abando, Filipino-Americans DJ Fenner and Caelan Tiongson, along with young talents Geo Chiu, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Tony Ynot completing the squad.

Following their match against the UAE, Strong Group-Pilipinas will face tough competition from Australia’s BSBL Guardians, Ukraine, Malaysia, Future Sports USA, Japan U22, China White, and China Blue in a single-round robin tournament.

The Jones Cup format does not include playoffs, with the team finishing on top after the eliminations being crowned as the champions.

Bringing valuable experience and confidence from their recent runner-up finish in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship earlier this year, Strong Group is ready to leave their mark on the Jones Cup.