MANILA -- Former Ateneo de Manila University star Dave Ildefonso completes the roster of Strong Group-Pilipinas for the 43rd William Jones Cup next month in Taipei, Taiwan.

Ildefonso joins a line-up that already includes Kiefer Ravena, Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, and RJ Abarrientos.

Also part of the team are DJ Fenner, Chris McCollough, Caelan Tiongson, and Tajuan Agee, along with young guns Jonathan Manalili, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.

Charles Tiu calls the shots for the squad that will compete in the tournament from July 13-21.

Former Ateneo player Dave Ildefonso during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball Finals against the UP Fighting Maroons, December 14, 2022 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media/File

"My top priority in joining SGA is to help the team which is being handled by one of my friends in Ateneo, Jacob (Lao), win the championship in any way possible," said Ildefonso. "Representing the country is always a privilege, and I intend to make the most of an opportunity like this."

After his stint with the Blue Eagles, Ildefonso played two seasons in the Korean Basketball League with Suwon KT, seeing action in 44 games. 

In Strong Group, he reunites with Kouame, who was his teammate during the Blue Eagles' run to the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball championship.

"I'm really excited to be on the same team with Ange again," Ildefonso said. "I know what he can bring to the team and how valuable he is as a player. He'll definitely have a big role to play for SGA."

READ: Kouame, Abarrientos join Strong Group lineup for Jones Cup

This tournament also marks a reunion between Ildefonso and Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu, who previously coached him during the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2019 and the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in 2020 under the Mighty Sports banner.

"I've always been a fan of Dave's game," said Tiu. "I'm looking forward to seeing the improvement in his game from his time abroad. Hopefully, we can help boost his confidence for his next career step."

Meanwhile, Strong Group also added Letran's Manalili along with College of St. Benilde's Liwag and Ynot to their lineup.

Manalili, the youngest of the trio at 19 years old, is a 6-foot Cebuano floor general who has already made a name for himself. He was the NCAA Season 99 Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player, leading the Letran Squires to back-to-back titles. 

In his final year with the Squires, Manalili averaged an impressive 16.08 points, 6.92 assists, 4.23 rebounds, and 2.46 steals per game. 

Ynot and Liwag, on the other hand, were part of the Strong Group squad that finished second in the 2024 Dubai Basketball International Tournament. 

Liwag, 22 and stands at 6-foot-6, was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Blazers during the Preseason Cup, with averages of 13.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Ynot, 24 and stands at 5-foot-11, contributed 8.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

"This will not only prepare Allen, Tony, and Jonathan for the upcoming NCAA Season 100 tournament but will also help them have a bright future in basketball," Tiu stated.

READ: Rhenz Abando is latest to join Strong Group for Jones Cup

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