Ange Kouame, RJ Abarrientos reunite to bolster Strong Group Athletics in Jones Cup

Ange Kouame and RJ Abarrientos are set for a reunion as they are both tapped to reinforce the Strong Group Athletics in its upcoming campaign in the 43rd William Jones Cup next month. 

The duo was the latest addition to the SGA-bannered Philippine team, which has already secured the commitments of Kiefer Ravena, Chris McCullough, Jordan Heading, and Caelan Tiongson with Charles Tiu calling the shots. 

Abarrientos and Kouame are no stranger to playing for the flag. They both suited up for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, where the 6-foot-11 Kouame posted averages of 10 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists while the shifty guard normed 8.3 markers, 1.3 boards, and 3.7 dimes in three games. 

Since then, the two played hoops internationally with Abarrientos suiting up for Ulsan Hyundai in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), where he even won the Rookie of the Year plum in 2023, before moving to Japan to play for the Shinshu Brave Warriors. 

“RJ was one of our first options for the point guard spot, but we had to wait until he got clearance from Japan and his agent to play,” shared Tiu. 

“I always like guards who can score, so we are excited to have him on the team. When the opportunity to play for the country arose, he immediately said yes!”

Kouame, meanwhile, saw action for the Philippines during the country's gold medal run in the Asian Games last year before inking a deal to join French club UB Chartres Metropole. The 26-year-old former Ateneo standout was also part of the Rain or Shine squad that represented the Philippines in the previous Jones Cup edition. 

"Ange has been like a son to our team owner, Boss Frank (Lao). Finally, I will get the chance to coach him, especially after our Dubai stint where he got sick and had to miss the tournament completely,” said Tiu. 

“I know he’s improved a lot and has been healthy, so that’s a good sign. Whenever it comes to playing for the flag, Ange has always been willing.”

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News