Tag: strong

Kouame, Abarrientos boost Strong Group’s Jones Cup roster

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FILE–Ange Kouame.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ange Kouame and RJ Abarrientos bolstered the Strong Group-Philippines roster for the 43rd William Jones Cup set from July 13 to 21 in Taipei.

The local club team on Sunday announced its latest addition to its roster as Kouame is set to make his third appearance in the Jones Cup after playing for Ateneo in 2018 and reinforcing Rain or Shine last year.

“Ange has been like a son to our team owner, Boss Frank (Lao). Finally, I will get the chance to coach him, especially after our Dubai stint where he got sick and had to miss the tournament completely,” said Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.

READ: Strong Group taps ex-PBA import Chris McCullough for Jones Cup

“I know he’s improved a lot and has been healthy, so that’s a good sign. Whenever it comes to playing for the flag, Ange has always been willing.”

The Gilas naturalized center was supposed to play for Strong Group in the 2023 Dubai International Basketball Championship but his team-up with former NBA star Dwight Howard was derailed due to dengue.

Kouame played in France with Nationale Masculine 1 club UB Chartres Métropole, averaging 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 22 games.

“I’m really, really happy to represent the country again. It’s another opportunity for me to win this competition,” said the UAAP Season 84 MVP.

Meanwhile, Abarrientos, armed with his experience with his B.League team Shinshu Brave Warriors in Japan, teams up with Kiefer Ravena and Jordan Heading.

READ: Strong Group brings back Jordan Heading for Jones Cup

“RJ was one of our first options for the point guard spot, but we had to wait until he got clearance from Japan and his agent to play,” said Tiu. “I always like guards who can score, so we are excited to have him on the team. When the opportunity to play for the country arose, he immediately said yes!”

In his debut season with the Brave Warriors, Abarrientos averaged 7.8 points and 2.4 assists per game.

The Far Eastern University product won the 2022-23 Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis before taking his act to Japan.

“Of course, I’m very excited because it’s my first time on the team, and I’m eager to play with my kuyas and to represent our country again,” Abarrientos said. “I’m also thankful for the opportunity given to me by SGA. I can’t wait to join them and compete on the big stage.”

Chris McCullough and Caelan Tiongson are also part of Strong Group’s roster for the Jones Cup.

Filipinos eye strong showing at Ironman, 70.3 races in Subic

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FILE– John Alcala is among the athletes to watch out for in this year’s Ironman Philippines. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

John Dedeus Alcala leads a determined group of Filipino athletes against a formidable lineup of international competitors in the Ironman Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic Bay races scheduled for Sunday in Subic.

Alcala and the rest of the competitors will tackle the  3.8-kilometer swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.2km run on a world-class championship course in Subic where slots in the World Championships are at stake.

Among the notable competitors from 54 countries is Filipino bet August Benedicto, who aims to deliver a strong performance in the 11th edition of the IM 70.3 race, which includes a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run.

READ: John Alcala, Ines Santiago rule rainy Ironman

“I’m thrilled to compete here, even though I’m now based in Ireland,” said Benedicto.

Alcala, who triumphed in the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa in 2022, meanwhile, faces a tougher challenge, notably from 2022 champion Czech contender Petr Lukosz.

Despite missing out on his age-group category in the recent Ironman 70.3 Cebu, Lukosz remains a top contender in the full-distance race.

“It’s all about dreams. I still have a dream to do full Ironman sub 9 hours. I came three minutes short in Arizona,” said Lukosz. “And I told my wife that I will try one day to be in Top 10 in Kona in my age group.”

READ: Tested warriors carry PH fight in Subic Bay Ironman

The Ironman and IM 70.3 age group kick off at 5:45 a.m., with the swim cutoff time set at 70 minutes from the last athlete’s start. The bike and run stages have cutoff times of 5 hours and 30 minutes and 8 hours and 30 minutes, respectively.

The top 25 male triathletes from the full Ironman earn spots in the Kona, Hawaii World Championship from Oct. 22-28. The top 15 female athletes will qualify for the IM World Championship in Nice, France, from Sept. 24-28.

The IM 70.3 Subic Bay offers 45 age-group qualifying slots for the Vinfast IM 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand, on Dec. 14-15, with 15 slots reserved for female participants to promote gender equality.