Kouame, Abando to play through injuries in crucial Jones Cup game

Rhenz Abando and Angelo Kouame of Strong Group-Pilipinas during the 43rd William Jones Cup. Handout/SGA

MANILA — Strong Group-Pilipinas will have a complete line-up when they take on Chinese-Taipei A in the virtual championship game of the 43rd William Jones Cup on Sunday night.

Rhenz Abando and Angelo Kouame will play through their respective injuries while Tajuan Agee has been discharged from the hospital on Saturday after suffering from food poisoning.

“Rhenz’s hand is still swollen and the same goes for Ange’s knee, but they will play through it since this is an all-or-nothing game,” said Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu. “They know how important this game is for the country.”

Of Agee, Tiu said: “We will be watching Agee’s minutes closely since he has been very dehydrated because of the gastro issues he suffered. His health is important, but his presence on the court is also crucial for us.”

In five games played, Kouame is averaging 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Agee has been a standout with averages of 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Abando, in his four games, has contributed 6.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.

Sitting out the game are Allen Liwag and Jonathan Manalili.

Both teams will enter the main event of the nine-day tournament sporting 7-0 records. Strong Group has won all of its games by an average margin of 21.57 points per game while Chinese-Taipei A is equally impressive, winning with a margin of 17.85 points per game.

Tiu is wary of Chinese-Taipei’s firepower headed by its new naturalized big man Brandon Gilbeck and the Hinton brothers.

Gilbeck, who stands at 7-foot and plays for P.League+ team Formosa Dreamers, is averaging 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.

The Hinton brothers have also been playing well in the Jones Cup with 18-year-old Robert averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals so far, while 21-year-old Adam is putting up 11.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

The 6-foot-5 Robert Hinton is playing for Harvard Westlake while Adam also stands at 6-foot-5 and plays for Cornell.

“This is a revamped Chinese-Taipei team compared to the past,” said Tiu. “They are younger and have more international experience. Hopefully, we give our A-game in this last game.”