This marks the inaugural participation of Strong Group-Philippines in the William Jones Cup.
Strong Group Athletics will be the Philippine representatives for the 43rd William Jones Cup, slated to be held in Taiwan from July 13-21, 2024.
This marks the inaugural participation of Strong Group-Philippines in this esteemed tournament, which has become a beloved mid-year tradition for Filipinos.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy expressed her confidence in Strong Group Athletics for the annual joust.
"Strong Group Athletics has been contributing to Philippine sports by supporting athletes and national sports associations (NSAs) such as the SBP. 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,” she said.
"The SBP is thankful for their partnership in this Jones Cup mission,” Dy added.
Jacob Lao, President of Strong Group Athletics, emphasized the organization's commitment to showcasing Filipino talent 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,” Lao added.
In January 2024, Strong Group Athletics made a mark in international basketball by finishing second in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, led by a stellar team featuring Dwight Howard, Kevin Quiambao, Justine Baltazar, Jordan Heading, and Andre Roberson.
For the upcoming William Jones Cup, Strong Group Athletics will once again be under the guidance of coaches Charles Tiu and Rajko Toroman.
Tiu, who previously clinched Jones Cup victory in 2016 and 2019 with Mighty Sports, expressed his determination to win the tournament again.
“We will form a team that will be ready to win it all and that Filipinos will be proud of,” he said.
"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,” Tiu added.
The Philippines has won the Jones Cup six times, with Tiu’s Mighty Sports victories being the two most recent ones.
Strong Group Athletics is currently in the process of signing players for the tournament.