PH starts campaign in William Jones Cup

REPRESENTING the Philippines, Ateneo De Manila University will begin its campaign in the 40th William Jones Cup against Chinese Taipei ( White) at 5 p.m. today, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Gilas Pilipinas Cadets Thirdy Ravena, Matt Nieto and Isaac Go are expected to lead the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions in the eight- day international basketball tournament.

The other members of the team are Mike Nieto, Raffy Verano, Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, Jolo Mendoza, Aaron Black, Adrian Wong, BJ Andrade, Jawuan White, Tyler Tio, Angelo Kouame, William Navarro, Patrick Maagdenberg and Matthew Daves.

“Coming into the Jones Cup, our target is to represent the university and the country well. We will play to the best of our abilities,” said Ravena.

“I guess we have to take advantage of this opportunity. For a lot of us, this is our Gilas call-up. It is not just an opportunity but a responsibility to represent the country well,” added Go.

Ateneo’s head coach Tab Baldwin will guide the Chooks to Go-backed squad assisted by Sandy Arespacochaga, Epok Quimpo, Yuri Escueta, Jon Jacinto and Louise Gopez. This is the first time in many years that the country is sending a collegiate team to the annual hoops tilt.

“We wish the Ateneo Blue Eagles good luck in this endeavor. They will be representing our country to the best of their will,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios.

Besides the two teams of host Taiwan, Ateneo will face defending champion 3D Global Sports Canada, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Lithuania and South Korea in a single round robin format. The team that will emerge with the best record wins the title.

Last year, the Cadets finished fourth in the 10-nation meet with a 6-3 slate.

The Philippines, who has won the Jones Cup five times, last ruled the tourney in 2016 when it sent the import-laden Mighty Sports-Philippines.