It’s going to be an all-out war when Strong Group Athletics (SGA) competes in the 44th William Jones Cup from 12 to 20 July at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

SGA head coach Charles Tiu said he believes they have what it takes to defend their title, starting in their opening game against the home team in Chinese Taipei-A.

Tiu opened his training camp last Monday at the College of Saint Benilde gym with no less than some of the country’s brightest talents showing up led by imports Andre Roberson, Ian Miller and Tajuan Agee.

They will be backed up by Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Rhenz Abando, Ange Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

“I think we have to prepare better. I think we have a stronger team, or if not, team at the same level as last year. If you look at our schedule, it’s a bit tougher,” said Tiu, who also calls the shots for the Blazers in the NCAA.

“The home team placed us on our very first game coming off a day off, when they have, I guess, a tune-up game. But for us, it doesn’t matter. We just have to take care of business.”

“Again, no excuses. We’ll just prepare the best we can, and hopefully we can find a way to win.”

Aside from the Taiwanese, the Frank Lao-backed squad will also be going up against Japan U25, Chinese Taipei-B, Bahrain, Australia and Malaysia.

Composed of members of the national team, Chinese Taipei-A is expected to be the toughest test for SGA in its bid to retain the Jones Cup title.

The Taiwanese are itching to exact revenge after losing to the Filipino club in overtime last year, 79-83.

Chinese Taipei already flexed its muscles ahead of the Jones Cup, whipping Gilas Pilipinas, 91-84, last February in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

With players like Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga, Chien-Hao Ma, Chun Hsiang Lu, and naturalized player Brandon Gilbeck at the helm, the Taiwanese are hell-bent on reclaiming the crown they last held in 2018.

Ravena said they have to stay focused as each game will count in the competition.

“You had a big target on your back, and everybody wants to beat you. You have to be prepared physically and mentally, especially in tournaments like the Jones Cup where it’s like a quick in-and-out tournament,” Ravena said.

“So you have to be really mindful of every game, our situation as defending champions.”