Strong Group-Pilipinas runs it back for Jones Cup title defense
STRONG Group-Pilipinas is bringing back its championship core, as it gears up to defend the William Jones Cup crown.
The 44th edition of the prestigious annual tournament is set to take place from July 12 to 20 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
“We’re going all out in defending the country’s William Jones Cup title. We’re glad to bring back the core of the team, and with their chemistry and experience, we’re confident in our chances. More than anything, we want to make the country proud again,” said Strong Group president Jacob Lao.
Returning to the Bet88-backed squad are local standouts Kiefer Ravena, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Ange Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag.
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“I’m excited to bring back some guys from our championship squad. This might be the first time we’re able to run it back with this many returning players,” said head coach Charles Tiu.
Also rejoining the team are 6-foot-6 guard DJ Fenner—who traces his roots to Malabon City—and 6-foot-9 big man Tajuan Agee. Both were key contributors in last year’s successful run.
Former NBA veteran Andre Roberson, who last suited up for Strong Group during the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship, is also set to return.
However, Strong Group, also supported by Buffalo's Wings N' Things, Farm Fresh, and ZUS Coffee, with LGR Sportswear as official jersey partner, will be without Ravena for its first two games—against Chinese-Taipei Blue on July 13 and the Japan Under-25 Akatsuki Five squad on July 14—due to prior commitments.
“The big challenge is that we’ll be facing Taipei A in our very first game, and we haven’t played any tuneup games yet. We’ll have to see how quickly the team can gel. Kiefer will also miss a couple of games, but we’re definitely looking to defend our crown,” added Tiu.
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