Strong Group taps Malick Diouf to replace Ange Kouame in Jones Cup bid

Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas has tapped naturalized Filipino big man Malick Diouf with Ange Kouame unavailable to reinforce the club in the 45th William Jones Cup next week.

Diouf will complete the roster that also features Serbian giant Boban Marjanović, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, American big man Tajuan Agee, Will Navarro, and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.

Filipino-American guard Remy Martin will also join forces in the backcourt with Titing Manalili as Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and Matthew Wright round out the lineup.

"Malick gives us even more size, versatility, and athleticism in the frontcourt. He's a great replacement for Ange, and he raises our ceiling as a team because he can impact the game on both ends of the floor,' said SGA head coach Charles Tiu.

"We're excited to have him with us."

Diouf is a one-time UAAP champion with the University of the Philippines in Season 84, where he was named Finals MVP for helping the Fighting Maroons end a 36-year title drought.

He was also hailed the Most Valuable Player in Season 85 despite UP falling short of its title defense after bowing to Ateneo de Manila University in the finals.

He recently secured his Filipino citizenship, paving the way for him to represent the country in international tournaments.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News