LOCAL STARS BOLSTER STRONG GROUP IN UPCOMING WILLIAM JONES CUP

STRONG Group Athletics (SGA) will be leaning on its locals for the coming William Jones Cup in Taipei.

Head coach Charles Tiu said the local talent for this team is definitely one of the best it has fielded in past tournaments where the headliners were mostly imports.

When asked about the difference between this team to their previous one during their second-place finish in the Dubai International Championship, Tiu said: "Number one, I had three imports then and I had Dwight Howard. It’s a big factor."

"But I do think, and I mean no disrespect, that the local cast for this team is a bit stronger," said Tiu. "Even Jordan Heading said so. It helps that maybe we have a bit more time to prepare pero ‘yun naman, puro injury naman. Hopefully, the depth will really help us."

Kiefer Ravena is the skipper of the team, and will be playing alongside Rhenz Abando, RJ Abarrientos, Jordan Heading, Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, Caelan Tiongson, Titing Manalili, Tony Ynot, Allen Liwag, and naturalized player Ange Kouame.

"This time, we’ve got a lot more local talent with Kiefer at the local side. We have less imports too. A little more time to prepare. That’s good. Hopefully, the results would be the same," said Tiu.

Kiefer Ravena returns to the Jones Cup as he captains this SGA team PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

Tiu Likes His Chances

Regardless of the composition of their team, Tiu said the road to a championship in the annual tournament will definitely be tough with teams such as the Ukraine national team, a Japanese team, and an American team.

Like in previous editions, the Jones Cup will be a round-robin tournament with the team with the best record being named champions.

"Some of the teams that are participating are quite strong. I saw the Ukraine national team is going to be there so that’s tough. There’s also an American team, like a pool of 19 to 25 year olds which are probably be G League guys," he stated.

"Competition is going to be good but is something that hopefully they were preparing for and able to compete with. Taiwan is there. I like our chances."

So far, Tiu said their preparations have been seamless with the exception of a few minor injuries.

"I really like what I’m seeing. We have great balance. A lot of talent in the wings. That’s a good problem to have when you have a lot of guys that I have to figure out how to use everybody. It’s been really nice so far. They are all coachable, they pick up things fast, and I’m excited," said Tiu.

"Hopefully, the depth will really help us. The margin of error is so small. You lose one game you are kinda screwed."

2024-07-04T12:11:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd