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Malick Diouf will play for Strong Group-Pilipinas in the upcoming Jones Cup. Handout photo
MANILA -- Naturalized Filipino center Malick Diouf will join Strong Group-Pilipinas in their title defense in the 45th William Jones Cup, replacing Ange Kouame.
Diouf, a former UAAP regular season and Finals Most Valuable Player with the University of the Philippines, recently became a Filipino citizen, paving the way for him to represent the country in international competition.
His inclusion in the Strong Group roster became necessary as Kouame was unavailable for the tournament set for August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
"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," said Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.
Diouf joins a frontline that features 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.
Also returning for Strong Group are Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and Titing Manalili, while Remy Martin and Matthew Wright are set to make their debuts for the club.
READ: Remy Martin to play for Strong Group-Pilipinas in Jones Cup
Strong Group will be aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive William Jones Cup championships since Iran accomplished the feat from 2009 to 2011.
The Philippine representatives have been drawn into a preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan.