The Taiwan basketball Jones Cup tournament began with a strong showing from Taiwan’s teams on Saturday. The Taiwan Blue squad defeated Australia 90-56 at New Taipei’s Xinzhuang Gymnasium. This win set an energetic tone for the 44th William Jones Cup men’s basketball competition.
Taiwan basketball Jones Cup fans saw all 12 Blue team players score during the game. Taiwanese American Robert Hinton led the team with 16 points. His brother Adam also contributed with several impressive dunks that energized the crowd. By halftime, Taiwan Blue had built a huge lead of 54-16, thanks to their aggressive offense and solid defense.
Another standout player displayed exceptional ball-handling skills and kept the audience excited. The Blue team maintained pressure on Australia, preventing them from mounting any serious comeback. Taiwan’s defense was relentless, and the team’s teamwork clearly showed on the court.
Following this victory, Taiwan Blue will face last year’s champions, the Philippines, on Sunday at 7 p.m. This game is highly anticipated by fans. It promises to be a competitive match with a lot at stake.
At the same time, the Taiwan White team also competed on Saturday, taking on Malaysia’s national team. Although Taiwan White trailed by four points at halftime, the team’s balanced scoring effort helped them pull ahead in the second half. Impressively, six players scored in double digits, contributing to a 78-63 win. This victory highlights the potential and growth of Taiwan’s younger basketball talents.
The Taiwan basketball Jones Cup tournament, organized annually since 1977, honors Renato William Jones, one of the founders of the International Basketball Federation. The event invites professional, collegiate, and national teams from around the world. This year, nine men’s teams participate, including Japan, Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Taiwan hosts the tournament and fields two teams: the Blue team, composed of experienced veterans, and the White team, focused on nurturing young prospects. The fast-paced schedule requires each team to play eight games over nine days, testing both endurance and skill.
Tickets remain available online, and local television stations continue to broadcast the games. The Taiwan basketball Jones Cup offers thrilling competition and showcases Taiwan’s rising basketball talent.