A FORMIDABLE Strong Group-Pilipinas is expected to show its real worth in the 43rd William Jones Cup set for July 13 to 21 in Taipei.
With Charles Tiu and Serbian Rajko Toroman at the helm, Strong Group eyes its seventh Jones Cup title with five-time SEA Games gold medalist and Japan B.League Asian import Kiefer Ravena leading the squad along with former PBA import Chris McCullough and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized cager Ange Kouame.
Completing the team are Jordan Heading, Rhenz Abando, Caelan Tiongson, RJ Abarrientos, Geo Chiu, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, Jonathan Manalili and DJ Fenner.
“It’s been OKay. I like the way they’ve been competing in practice. They’re all playing hard. They’re all intense. We haven’t been practicing for too long, the only concern is I don’t know when I will have a full team,” Tiu said. “Ange Kouame arrives this weekend. RJ Abarrientos was hurt because of an unfortunate freak accident before we started our camp. So probably, we’ll have a full team by next Tuesday.
“I really like what I am seeing. We’ve got great balance, a lot of talent on the wings. . . It’s been really nice so far. They’re all coachable. They all pick up things fast and I’m really excited for this tournament,” he added.
The last time a Philippine representative won the crown was back in 2019 with Tiu calling the shots for Mighty Sports.
“Well, it’s a good feeling. The last two times I went, we won so hopefully we’re able to continue that streak, personally at least. Obviously, it’s a different team. Some of the teams participating are quite strong. I saw the Ukraine national team’s gonna be there so that’s tough,” Tiu said. “There’s also gonna be an American team so, they have a pool of 19-25 years old so probably that’s gonna be G-League guys so the competition’s gonna be good, but it’s got something that hopefully we were preparing for to be able to compete with.
“I like our chances this time around and Taiwan’s been great. I think overall probably my fifth, it’ll be my fifth Jones Cup where I’m participating as an assistant or as a head coach so hopefully that experience can help us a little bit.”
