Diouf replaces Kouame in Strong Group lineup for William Jones Cup

Strong Group-Pilipinas has named newly naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf as Angelo Kouame's replacement for the 45th William Jones Cup, set for Aug. 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Kouame's unavailability opened the door for Diouf, the 6-foot-11 former UAAP regular season and Finals MVP, to join the Athletics after recently acquiring Filipino citizenship.

Strong Group president Jacob Lao thanked the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for facilitating Diouf's participation 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 bolsters an imposing frontcourt that already includes former NBA center Boban Marjanović, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, American big man Tajuan Agee, William Navarro, and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

Head coach Charles Tiu believes the addition further strengthens the team's interior presence.

"Malick gives us even more size, versatility, and athleticism in the frontcourt," Tiu said. "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."

Returning players Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and Titing Manalili will also suit up for Strong Group, while Filipino-American guard Remy Martin and veteran Matthew Wright are set to make their debuts for the club.

Strong Group is aiming to become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to win three consecutive William Jones Cup championships.

The Philippine squad has been drawn into a preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan.