(UPDATE) RHENZ Abando is set to reinforce the Strong Group Athletics team that will represent the Philippines in the 43rd William Jones Cup slated from July 13 to 21, 2024, in Taipei, Taiwan.

The Strong Group management announced Abando's signing on Tuesday over its social media platforms.

A free agent after opting not to renew his contract with Korean Basketball League (KBL) club Anyang Jung Kwan Jang, Abando is excited to join the Athletics in the Jones Cup.

"I'm excited to play for Strong Group because when I was in Korea, I've been watching their games in Dubai (International Tournament)," said Abando, who logged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists last season in the KBL.

"They made the fans happy and hopefully we can do that again to our (Filipino) compatriots this time at Jones Cup in Taiwan."

Abando, 26, is set to join an already-loaded Strong Group team bannered by Kiefer Ravena, RJ Abarrientos, Ange Kouame, Jordan Heading, Caelan Tiongson and Chris McCullough.

Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu is glad to finally have an opportunity to coach Abando after coaching against him in the NCAA.

Tiu coaches the Saint Benilde Blazers in the NCAA and Abando played for the Letran Knights in Season 97 which they swept for the championship.

"I'm happy to have the opportunity to finally coach Rhenz. I've coached against him in the past, and I think he's a great player," said Tiu.

"He gives us a lot of athleticism and firepower," added Tiu of Abando, who also played for UST in the UAAP.

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