Strong Group-Pilipinas out to reclaim Jones Cup glory

After a woeful seventh-place finish last year, the Philippines looks primed to elevate its game with a new roster in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taipei from July 13 to 21. Strong Group-Pilipinas, the country’s new representative in the basketball club tournament, aims to reclaim the crown the Filipinos last won in 2019 under the banner of Mighty Sports. “I really like what I’m seeing. We’ve got great balance, a lot of talent, [like our] wings,” said coach Charles Tiu as Strong Group takes a shot at the tournament after Rain or Shine’s campaign last year. “It’s a good problem to have, we have a lot of guys. I have to figure out how to use everybody… but it’s really nice, they’re all coachable, they all pick up fast.” Tiu, who mentored another Strong Group roster to a silver-medal finish in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship last January, looks to lean on another star-studded roster led by Kiefer Ravena (183-G-1993), Jordan Heading (188-G-1996, college: CBU), Abando Rhenz (188-SG-1998), RJ Abarrientos, and former San Miguel import McCullough Chris (208-F-1995, college: Syracuse).
Courtesy of: rappler.com