GILAS Pilipinas 3x3 naturalized player Malick Diouf has been tapped to take the spot of Ange Kouame for Strong Group Athletics which will be shooting for a third straight title in the William Jones Cup set to start on Saturday in Taipei, Taiwan.
Listed at 6-foot-11, Diouf will add size and inside presence for the Charles Tiu’s squad with Kouame already unavailable.
Diouf easily brings firepower at front court, as he’s expected to bring solid rebuilding and shot-blocking effort for Strong Group, which dominated the tournament the last two years.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, especially executive director Erika Dy, for allowing Malick to suit up for Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup,” said Strong Group president Jacob Lao.
“It’s an opportunity we truly appreciate, and we promise to represent the Philippines with pride and do everything we can to make the country proud.”
Tiu believes Diouf’s arrival gives the squad versatility and athleticism.
“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. We’re excited to have him with us,” said Tiu.
The former University of the Philippines big man joins NBA veteran Boban Marjanovic, returning import Tajuan Agee, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro and former Titan Ultra wingman William Navarro.
The 27-year-old Diouf, who recently got his Filipino citizenship, is best remembered for playing a vital role in UP’s UAAP men’s basketball championship run in Season 84 back in 2022, as he went on to earn the Finals Most Valuable Player award.
The Philippine representatives are bunched in the preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea and Japan.
