Liwag raring for Jones Cup action

Reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) Allen Liwag can’t wait to test his mettle when he suits up for Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City from 12 to 20 July.

Liwag said he is looking forward to join forces again with Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame and former National Basketball Association veteran Andre Roberson as they gun for back-to-back titles.

Liwag was honored at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night last Monday as part of the Mythical Five alongside Clint Escamis of Mapua University, Mike Phillips and Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University, and JD Cagulangan of the University of the Philippines.

“I’ll do my role in that team. I talked to Andre Robertson last year in Dubai and asked him about defense. He really helped me out and he told me his secrets, his routines,” the College of Saint Benilde big man said.

“I just did what I tried to apply to myself. I’m happy because it was effective for me.”

“Ange was my roommate. We talked about a lot of things, especially what he did to become a champion.”

SGA will be facing tough competition as they go up against Chinese Taipei A, the Japan U25 team, Qatar, Australia, Chinese Taipei B, Malaysia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Liwag said he will also take with him the lessons he learned from team consultant Rajko Toroman.

“On and off the court, Coach Rajko gave us a lot of guidance and I just followed what they wanted to happen. Because I know that it will help and be the best for me,” Liwag said.