Strong Group Athletics set to represent PH in 43rd Jones Cup | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

Strong Group Athletics set to represent PH in 43rd Jones Cup

Strong Group Athletics set to represent PH in 43rd Jones Cup

ABS-CBN News

Clipboard

Coach Charles Tiu huddles the Strong Group Athletics basketball team. Handout/Strong Group AthleticsCoach Charles Tiu huddles the Strong Group Athletics basketball team. Handout/Strong Group Athletics

MANILA — Strong Group Athletics' basketball team is set to return to represent the country yet again.

This, after they announced that they will be competing in the 43rd William Jones Cup which is set from July 13 to 21 in Taipei to serve as the Philippine team in the tournament.

"Strong Group Athletics has been contributing to Philippine sports by supporting athletes and national sports associations (NSAs) such as the SBP," said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy on SGA's inaugural participation in the event.

"Mr. Frank Lao, his son Jacob, and Strong Group have shared their desire to bring back the Jones Cup championship trophy to the country and bring joy to Filipinos overseas. The SBP is thankful for their partnership in this Jones Cup mission," she added. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Leading SGA, who previously represented the Philippines during the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championships, are veteran coaches Charles Tiu and Rajko Toroman.

"We will form a team that will be ready to win it all and that Filipinos will be proud of," said Tiu, who previously led Mighty Sports to championships during the 2016 and 2019 editions of the tournament 

"I am hoping to bring back the Jones Cup championship to the Philippines after some time. It would be a moment of immense pride for our nation, and we're committed to working tirelessly to make this dream a reality," he added.

Meanwhile, Jacob Lao, who is the president of Strong Group Athletics, emphasized that one of their main goals is to showcase the talent of Filipinos on the international stage.

"Strong Group Athletics was formed to help in showcasing what the Filipino athlete can do on the international stage," he said.

"We are grateful to the SBP for allowing us to compete in the prestigious William Jones Cup and bring joy to the overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan just like what we did in Dubai a few months ago."

Led by Dwight Howard, Kevin Quiambao, Justine Baltazar, Jordan Heading, and Andre Roberson, SGA clinched a silver finish in Dubai, only bowing down to champions Al Riyadi through a buzzer-beating, title-clinching three-pointer by Ismael Abdelmoneim.

SGA is still currently in the process of signing players for the tournament.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters previously represented the Philippines during last year's Jones Cup, with the Ange Kouame-backed EPainters placing fifth at the end of the tilt.

RELATED VIDEOS:



ADVERTISEMENT

Wembanyama Out for Season Due to Blood Clot in Shoulder, Spurs Announce

Wembanyama Out for Season Due to Blood Clot in Shoulder, Spurs Announce

TJ Manotoc

Clipboard

In a significant setback for the San Antonio Spurs, All-Star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-2025 NBA season due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. The diagnosis, announced today, reveals a blood clot condition that requires immediate treatment, effectively sidelining him for the rest of the season.




Wembanyama’s Stellar Season Cut Short


Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 French phenom and No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been nothing short of dominant in his second NBA season. The first-time All-Star was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks (leading the NBA), and 3.7 assists

His defensive impact had positioned him as a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year before this unfortunate medical issue.

ADVERTISEMENT








Spurs’ Outlook: Recent Additions Show Promise


The Spurs (23-29, 12th in the West) now face an uphill battle for a playoff push without their franchise cornerstone. However, the team has recently bolstered its roster with moves that show a bright future by adding De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster trade. The electrifying point guard is averaging 21.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.8 steals since joining San Antonio and is expected to be a key piece in Wembanyama’s return next season. Rookie Standout Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has already shown star potential. He recently set a Spurs rookie record with a 33-point performance off the bench against the Charlotte Hornets.


While losing Wembanyama is a major blow, the Spurs’ front office remains optimistic about the team’s long-term outlook. With Fox running the offense, Castle emerging as a reliable scorer, and Wembanyama expected to make a full recovery, the future in San Antonio looks promising.


For now, the focus will be on Wembanyama’s health, ensuring the Spurs’ young superstar returns stronger for the 2025-26 season.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.