Strong Group has tapped two reinforcements from the Asian basketball circuit to boost the country’s title-retention bid in the 44th William Jones Cup next month.
Filipino-Spanish Javi Gomez de Liano and American Ian Miller complete the roster of Strong Group-Pilipinas in the tournament scheduled from July 12 to 20 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
“These are excellent additions to our team. Javi and Ian bring high-level experience and versatility. They’ll really complement the core group we already have,” head coach Charles Tiu said in a press statement Monday.
The 26-year-old Gomez de Liano is entering his second season with the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League. The 6-foot-5 swingman posted averages of 8.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and shot 41.7 percent from the three-point line.
“Javi and I go way back. He played for me during the 2019 Dubai tournament with Mighty Sports, so it’s great to reunite with him. I know what he brings to the table —toughness, shooting, and professionalism,” Tiu said.
The 6-foot-3 Miller was named MVP for leading Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos to the title in the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL)-East division last May. He averaged 17.9 points on 44.1 percent shooting, alongside 2.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
“He’s coming off an impressive run in BCL Asia, so we’re excited to bring that firepower to our backcourt,” Tiu said.
Gomez de Liano and Miller will join the Strong Group lineup that includes Andre Roberson, Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, Geo Chiu, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, and Allen Liwag.
The Strong Group Athletics will face Chinese-Taipei A on July 13, followed by matchups against Japan’s Under-25 team, Qatar, Australia, Chinese-Taipei B, Malaysia, Bahrain, and UAE. (PNA)
