By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Strong Group Athletics (SGA) is set to represent the Philippines in the 43rd William Jones Cup, scheduled from July 13 to 21, 2024, in Taipei, Taiwan.

SGA president Jacob Lao said they are grateful to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for giving them the go-ahead to represent the country in the annual basketball tournament in Taiwan.

“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 we did in Dubai a few months ago,” Lao said.

“Strong Group Athletics was formed to help showcase what the Filipino athlete can do on the international stage,” the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles player added.

The SGA is to be handled by the tandem of Charles Tiu and former Gilas Pilipinas mentor Rajko Toroman, while they are still in the process of signing players for the tournament.

For her part, SBP executive director Erika Dy expressed confidence that the SGA can represent the country well in the Jones Cup.

“Strong Group Athletics has been contributing to Philippine sports by supporting athletes and national sports associations, such as the SBP,” Dy said.

“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.

In January, the SGA made a mark in international basketball by finishing second in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, with a team led by Dwight Howard, Kevin Quiambao, Justine Baltazar, Jordan Heading, and Andre Roberson./ASC, WDJ