RJ Abarrientos, Ange Kouame join Strong Group Athletics

STRONG Group Athletics (SGA) has secured the participation of former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) athletes RJ Abarrientos and Angelo Kouame in the 43rd William Jones Cup. 

The Philippine-represent SGA continues to improve its lineup for the upcoming Jones Cup by signing two more young guns, Abarrientos and former UAAP MVP Kouame, who will be key to their side. 

Kouame, a Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player, has long been on the management’s radar. The dependable big man was initially included on their roster for the 2023 Dubai International Basketball Championship. 

However, Kouame had a little setback after health issues induced by dengue prevented him from participating in SGA’s all-star roster.

Since then, he has been actively playing in France for the Nationale Masculine 1 club team UB Chartres Métropole. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 22 games during his first season.

“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 SGA head coach Charles Tiu.

Photo Courtesy: @angelokouame34 | Instagram

“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,” he added.

Kouame is not new to the Jones Cup, having previously played for the Ateneo-Pilipinas in 2018 and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Rain or Shine, which was chosen to represent the country last year. 

Meanwhile, the 6-ft-11 versatile player is looking forward to representing the country once more.

“I’m really, really happy to represent the country again. It’s another opportunity for me to win this competition,” shared the UAAP Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Season 85 Finals MVP.

Abarrientos, on the other hand, just finished his first season with the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the Japan B.League. The former Far Eastern University standout has been Tiu’s first choice for the point guard position. 

Photo Courtesy: @rhonjhay_abarrientos | Instagram

“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,” Tiu explained. 

“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.”

After one season with the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP, Abarrientos went pro with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in the Korean Basketball League, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2022-23.

“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,” said Abarrientos.

Abarrientos and Kouame will be joined by Gilas Pilipinas veterans Kiefer Ravena and Jordan Heading, Caelan Tiongson, and former San Miguel Beermen import Chris McCullough in the Taiwan-bound SGA squad.

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