By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Former Gilas Pilipinas center and UAAP champion with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles Geo Chiu will complete the star-studded lineup of the Strong Group-Philippines for the upcoming 43rd William Jones Cup basketball tournament.
The development was confirmed on June 25, 2024, after the PHL-based sports organization welcomed the addition of Chiu for their quest for a gold medal in Taipei, Taiwan, from July 13 to July 21, 2024.
Above anything else, Chiu will be making an exciting reunion with his former teammates at Ateneo, Ange Kouame and Dave Ildefonso, who earlier signed to play for Strong Group.
With his vast experience gained from playing with the Taiwan Mustangs during the Asian basketball tournament, Chiu is expected to man the paint alongside Kouame and bring the knowledge that his former head coach Tab Baldwin taught him.
Chiu also played with the Mustangs during a friendly tune-up against the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team set up last June 24, 2024, at the PhilSports Arena.
Despite losing to the talented Gilas squad, Chiu balled out in front of his Filipino home fans and matched well against his kuyas in the national team.
However, Strong Group will face a tough practice schedule as they are yet to train together as a complete unit under the mentorship of head coach Charles Tiu.
Aside from Chiu, Strong Group also had late additions to their official playing roster after securing the services of NCAA stalwarts Jonathan Manalili and Tony Ynot.
Completing the pool that will fly to Taiwan are Kiefer Ravena, Jordan Heading, Rhenz Abando, RJ Abarrientos, DJ Fenner, Allen Liwag, Caelan Tiongson, Tajuan Agee, Chris McCollough, Kouame, and Ildefonso.
