STRONG GROUP BRINGS BACK CORE FOR WILLIAM JONES CUP TITLE DEFENSE

Strong Group-Pilipinas is bringing back the core of its championship squad 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, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

“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 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 is also set to return.

He last suited up for Strong Group during the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship.

However, Strong Group, also supported by Buffalo's Wings N' Things, Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee, and ChickyFam, with LGR Sportswear as the official jersey partner, will be without Kiefer 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 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.