Jones Cup: Philippines import explains eyes-closed free throws, loves Taiwanese beef noodle soup | Liberty Times (TW) | 瓊斯盃》對決台灣藍閉眼罰球！菲律賓洋將解釋原因、透露愛吃牛肉麵 | Filipino import Tajuan Steven Agee explained his decision to shoot free throws with his eyes closed during a Jones Cup game against Taiwan Blue, stating it was a way to express disappointment with the tournament's rules. Agee expressed his enjoyment of playing in Taiwan and his fondness for local cuisine like beef noodle soup. | Tajuan Steven Agee, Jones Cup, Philippines, Taiwan Blue, basketball, free throws, tournament rules, Taipei, beef noodle soup | Filipino import Tajuan Steven Agee clarified his actions during a Jones Cup basketball game where he shot free throws with his eyes closed, a move that sparked discussion. Agee, playing for Strong Group Athletics, explained that his gesture was not intended as disrespect but as a form of expressing his disappointment with the tournament's rules. "Because we came here to win the championship, but obviously that's not going to happen anymore, so I just wanted to have some fun," Agee said after the game. He elaborated that with only two games remaining and little at stake due to the tournament's unique bye system, he felt it was the only way to express himself. Agee believes the rule impacted the competitive integrity of the tournament, which he has participated in for three years. Agee recalled his first year in the Jones Cup, where he felt Taiwan Blue had a strong chance against his team, highlighting the balanced competition. He believes players should have the opportunity to determine the outcome of games through genuine competition, suggesting the current rules were unfair and detrimental to the game's completeness. "I think it's a bit unfair and it hurts the integrity of the game a bit," he stated. Despite the team's fifth-place finish, Agee expressed his fondness for playing in Taiwan. He mentioned that friends who have played in Taiwan's professional leagues spoke highly of the experience and the city of Taipei. Agee also shared his favorite Taiwanese foods, naming beef noodle soup and shrimp crackers, and asked reporters for ramen recommendations. While acknowledging the disappointing end to the tournament, he expressed affection for his teammates and the three weeks spent together, humorously stating, "In our hearts, we are the three-time champions." | news | named-sources | null

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.