Strong Group takes center stage: Representing Philippines in 43rd William Jones Cup

The Philippines will have a new representative in the upcoming 43rd William Jones Cup, slated for July 13-21 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Strong Group Athletics (SGA), a renowned basketball organization, has been chosen to wear the national colors and compete against international teams.

This marks the first-ever appearance for Strong Group as the Philippine representatives in the William Jones Cup. The tournament has become a cherished mid-year tradition for Filipino basketball fans, and SGA’s participation will undoubtedly generate excitement and anticipation.

SGA isn’t new to the international basketball scene. Earlier in 2024, they impressed audiences with a runner-up finish at the Dubai International Basketball Championship. Their roster boasted renowned talents like Dwight Howard, Kevin Quiambao, Justine Baltazar, Jordan Heading, and Andre Roberson, showcasing their commitment to fielding competitive teams.

Steering SGA in the William Jones Cup will be the familiar coaching tandem of Charles Tiu and Rajko Toroman. This duo brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously guided the Philippines to victory in the 2016 and 2019 editions of the Jones Cup, under Tiu’s Mighty Sports banner.

While the official player roster is still under development, SGA is actively recruiting top Filipino talents to compete in the tournament. The team will aim to build upon the success of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who secured a fifth-place finish at the 2023 William Jones Cup.

The Philippines boasts a rich history in the William Jones Cup, having clinched the championship title six times. With a strong coaching staff and a talented roster on the horizon, Strong Group Athletics is poised to challenge for a podium finish and potentially add another chapter to the Philippines’ illustrious legacy in the tournament. Basketball fans will be eagerly awaiting the official roster announcement and the team’s performance on the international stage.