Strong Group Athletics achieved victory in the William Jones Cup by defeating Chinese Taipei A in an extra match on July 21 2018 in New Taipei City. The final score stood at 83–79. This impressive triumph not highlighted the teams skills and unwavering determination but also demonstrated Strong Groups commitment to backing Philippine basketball and its players on the global platform.
Congratulations Strong Group Athletics - 2024 Jones Cup Champions! pic.twitter.com/80CMcWYfau
— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) July 21, 2024
Following the momentous win, Strong Group's president, Jacob Lao, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to Philippine basketball. In a media interaction, Lao expressed his intent to continue supporting the Samahang Basketball sa Pilipinas (SBP) and the national team, Gilas Pilipinas.
“The victory is just the beginning. Besides our team, we will continue to support the Samahang Basketball sa Pilipinas (SBP) and Gilas Pilipinas. We want our program to complement the national team’s efforts and offer help in any way we can,” Lao stated. This pledge highlights Strong Group's vision to work synergistically with existing basketball programs, ensuring that Filipino athletes receive the support and resources needed to excel internationally.
The foundation of Strong Group was built on a dream – a dream to showcase the prowess of Filipino athletes on the global stage. Lao elaborated on this vision, saying, “We started Strong Group with a dream - to prove that the Filipino athlete can shine on the international stage. This victory is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, done for the pride of our nation.”
Lao also extended his gratitude to the Filipino community, both in the Philippines and abroad, for their unwavering support. “Thank you to all our kababayans (countrymen) in the Philippines and our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) - this victory is for you! A heartfelt thanks to SBP, Sir Al Panlilio (former PLDT president), and Ma’am Erika Dy (SBP executive director) for believing in our players and coaches,” he added.
The final game against Chinese Taipei-A was a nail-biter, with several Strong Group players delivering match-defining performances. Kiefer Ravena emerged as a hero, scoring a crucial triple in the final 13 seconds of regulation time, propelling Strong Group to a 73-71 lead. Ravena's contribution was vital, with all of his nine points coming from beyond the arc.
RJ Abarrientos, a new recruit for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, showcased his talent throughout the tournament. Abarrientos finished with 14 points in the final game and maintained impressive averages of 9.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds over the tournament. Jordan Heading, the lone player remaining from their International Basketball Championship team, also played a pivotal role with his clutch shots.
Head coach Charles Tiu reflected on the journey and the team's motivation. “It is always an honor for me to represent the country in any way, and that was the mantra of the team throughout the tournament. We wanted to give glory to our country. And aside from that, I really wanted to win a championship for Boss Frank and Jacob Lao. They have trusted me a lot, and I wanted to deliver for them,” Tiu said.
Strong Group's commitment to Philippine sports extends beyond basketball. The organization recently ventured into the Philippine volleyball scene by taking over the ownership of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) franchise, the Gerflor Defenders. This move signifies Strong Group's broader vision to uplift various sports in the Philippines and provide platforms for athletes to excel.
With the 2025 calendar in sight, Strong Group is already planning for the future. The management is eager to have another shot in Dubai and defend their Jones Cup title. This forward-looking approach ensures that Strong Group will remain a significant player in the international sports arena, continuing to bring pride to the Philippines.
Strong Group Athletics' victory in the 43rd William Jones Cup is more than just a win; it symbolizes the potential of Filipino athletes and the power of dedicated support. With their continued commitment to Philippine basketball and their expansion into other sports, Strong Group is poised to make a lasting impact on the international stage. Their pledge to support SBP and Gilas Pilipinas, coupled with their efforts to provide platforms for athletes, highlights a future where Filipino sports can thrive and shine globally.
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