MANILA – Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas is reinstating the core of its championship team as they gear up for their title defense in the 44th William Jones Cup, scheduled from July 12 to 20 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
According to SGA president Jacob Lao, the team management is pleased to welcome back the key players from their triumphant campaign last year for yet another chance to represent the country.
“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,” Lao said in a statement.
Returning to the Bet88-backed squad are Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.
Also rejoining the SGA-Pilipinas are 6-foot-6 guard DJ Fenner — who traces his roots to Malabon City — , 6-foot-9 big man Tajuan Agee, and former NBA forward Andre Roberson.
Two new players in the SGA-Pilipinas roster are former Terrafirma Dyip forward Javi Gomez de Liaño and Ian Miller.
“Yeah, 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 SGA-Pilipinas head coach Charles Tiu.
Tiu, however, said that they wil miss the services of Ravena for their 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 tune-up 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./PN
