William Jones Cup kicks off

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The 44th William Jones Cup begins tomorrow in Chinese Taipei, running until July 20. Bahrain’s senior men’s basketball team is set to compete against nine top Asian teams.

Bahrain will face tough competition including Japan, Australia, Malaysia, the UAE, and hosts Chinese Taipei. Also in the mix are Chinese Taipei’s development squad, Qatar’s B team, and defending champions Strong Group Athletics from the Philippines.

From Paint to Presidency

For Bahrain Basketball Association President Alaa Mudara, the William Jones Cup is a vital step in a long-term plan. “This competition offers a different intensity from what we face in the Gulf, and that challenge is exactly what we need to prepare for the Arab Cup in Tunisia.”

Mudara brings personal history to the moment, having represented Bahrain in the 1978 William Jones Cup as a player. “That year, we were named best team of the tournament,” he recalled. “Now, returning as president, I see the same hunger in this generation.”

The Squad

Greek coach Georgios Vovoras has named a near fullstrength roster. Key players include guards Mustafa Hussain and Ahmed Salman, forwards Mohammed Ameer, Subah Hussain, Mohammed Buallay, Ali Jaber, and naturalised stars Wayne Chism and JaKarr Sampson. The squad is completed by Mahmood Abbas, Ali Hussain, Ahmed bin Deina, and Abdulqader Thani.

The William Jones Cup is a prestigious Asian tournament organised by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association. Many teams use it as a warmup for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah next month.

Tough Road Ahead

Bahrain opens tomorrow against continental powerhouse Japan, followed by games against Chinese Taipei’s development team, Malaysia, Australia, the UAE, Qatar’s B team, Chinese Taipei’s national team, and Strong Group Athletics.

The team has prepared with local training sessions and won two recent friendlies against the UAE at Khalifa Sports City Arena.