Strong Group-Pilipinas isn’t missing a beat. With Angelo Kouame unavailable for the 45th William Jones Cup, the Athletics have plugged the gap with another naturalized force, tapping 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf to round out their roster for the tournament set for August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Diouf, a former UAAP regular season and Finals MVP, recently earned his Filipino citizenship, clearing the way for him to suit up for the country in international competition and giving Strong Group a like-for-like replacement in size and pedigree at the position Kouame vacates.

Strong Group Thanks SBP as Diouf Joins Star-Studded Frontline

Strong Group president Jacob Lao was quick to credit the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for clearing the path for Diouf’s inclusion in the tournament.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, especially executive director Erika Dy, for allowing Malick to suit up for Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup,” Lao said. “It’s an opportunity we truly appreciate, and we promise to represent the Philippines with pride and do everything we can to make the country proud.”

Diouf now slots into an already loaded frontcourt that includes Serbian giant Boban Marjanović, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, American big man Tajuan Agee, William Navarro and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag, giving Strong Group one of the most imposing frontlines in the tournament.

Long-time Strong Group coach Charles Tiu said Diouf’s arrival adds a new dimension to a squad already built for a title run.

“Malick gives us even more size, versatility, and athleticism in the frontcourt. He’s a great replacement for Ange, and he raises our ceiling as a team because he can impact the game on both ends of the floor. We’re excited to have him with us,” Tiu said.

Strong Group Chases Rare Three-Peat With Returning Core, New Faces

Beyond Diouf’s addition, Strong Group will also see the return of Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner and Titing Manalili, while Remy Martin and Matthew Wright are set to make their debuts for the club in Taiwan.

The Athletics will be chasing history in New Taipei City, aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive William Jones Cup championships since Iran pulled off the feat from 2009 to 2011.

Strong Group-Pilipinas has been drawn into a preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea and Japan, a stiff test that will immediately gauge how well Diouf and the retooled frontcourt mesh as the club pushes for a piece of Jones Cup history.