MANIL, Philippines—Mighty Sports knows it will have its hands full when it represents the Philippines anew in the coming Jones Cup in July.
That’s why the team tried to assemble the best possible squad equipped with prolific reinforcements.
“The participating teams right now are all strong and national teams so it’s much more competitive and stronger,” said Mighty Sports assistant team manager Jessie Angchonghoo on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila.
“But we’re ready. We have all the tools to compete with them.”
Joining Mighty Sports in the tournament, which runs from July 12 to 21 in Taiwan, are national teams of Iran, Japan, South Korea, Jordan, and Tunisia, who are all preparing for their campaign in the Fiba World Cup in August.
Mighty Sports will be bannered by former PBA imports Renaldo Balkman, Eugene Phelps and Zach Graham.
The three will be teaming up with Jason Brickman, Jason Gray, Roosevelt Adams, Mikey Williams, Aaron Black, Gab Banal, and former PBA veteran Joseph Yeo with Charles Tiu calling the shots again.
Tiu, though, has decided to bring in former Philippine national team coach Rajko Toroman as part of his coaching staff.
“He’s a very experienced coach,” said Angchonghoo of Toroman, who was the mentor of the original Gilas Pilipinas team formed in 2009.
Mighty Sports aims to repeat its feat in 2016 when it swept its way to the Jones Cup title.