Taipei, Taiwan -  The 2009 Williams Jones Cup is underway.

This international tournament, held every year in Taiwan, features nine teams this year: Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Team Kwanghwa (Taiwan).

(Discuss the 2009 Jones Cup tournament in our forum)

This year is the tournament’s 31st year,  and the diversity of the tournament is unmatched.

Since 1977, national squads, professional clubs, and university teams from all over the globe have participated in this tournament.

Past winners include national teams from West Germany, Mexico, Jordan, and Canada as well as the University of Hawaii to professional teams such as Great Mates (Australia), San Miguel Beer (Philippines), and Athletes in Action (USA).

The USA is not participating in this year’s tournament, but has won 15 of the 29 tournaments.  The national team from Jordan has taken home the trophy the last two years.

After South Africa pulled out of the tournament last minute, the 2009 Jones Cup is the first time that all the teams are from one continent.

The Women’s competition started July 12th, while the Men’’s competition began the 18th of July and will end on the 26th.  The tournament is named after Renato William Jones, a well-known basketball promoter and one of the founders of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Links and Resources:  Jones Cup 2009 (Interbasket forum), 2009 Jones Cup Official Site (http://www.jonescup31st.com.tw/)