Harvard's Robert Hinton Powers Team Taiwan at 2025 Jones Cup

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Robert Hinton, a rising sophomore guard from Harvard University, has emerged as a pivotal player for Team Taiwan during the first half of the 44th William Jones Cup, held at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City from July 12-15, 2025. Averaging 14.5 points per game, Hinton has played an instrumental role in leading the team to a commendable 3-1 record in the tournament's early stages.

Competing in this prestigious international competition for the third time, Hinton showcased his talents against a diverse array of opponents. Team Taiwan secured victories over Australia (90-56), the United Arab Emirates (88-73), and Chinese Taipei B (92-80), while experiencing a narrow defeat against the Philippines (67-56). Hinton's scoring prowess was evident throughout the matches, particularly in his standout performances against the UAE, where he tallied 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, alongside five rebounds, and demonstrated remarkable efficiency at the free-throw line, converting all seven attempts.

Hinton's statistical contributions to the team include 2.8 rebounds per game and an impressive shooting percentage of 52.3% from the field. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has solidified his status as a key player for Team Taiwan. In the opening game against Australia, Hinton scored 16 points, while he added 12 points in the decisive win over Chinese Taipei B.

Looking ahead, Team Taiwan is set to continue its campaign at the Jones Cup with upcoming matches against Malaysia on July 17, Bahrain on July 18, Qatar on July 19, and Japan on July 20. Hinton's performance in these matches could further enhance his burgeoning reputation in the sport and contribute to Team Taiwan's aspirations in the tournament.

Hinton's remarkable journey in basketball began at Harvard, where he made a significant impact in his freshman year, earning unanimous Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors. He also captured the Ivy League Rookie of the Week title eight times and was named the team's Most Valuable Player, averaging 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His consistent scoring ability, which saw him reach double figures in 19 of 27 games, highlights his potential as a future star in collegiate basketball.

The Jones Cup serves as an essential platform for Hinton and his teammates, allowing them to gain invaluable international experience ahead of the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for August 5-17. Team Taiwan will face formidable opponents, including the Philippines, Iraq, and New Zealand, in the group stage of the Asia Cup.

As the tournament progresses, the performance of Robert Hinton will be closely watched, not only for his individual accolades but also for the broader implications for Team Taiwan's standing in international basketball. His contributions could pave the way for greater recognition of Taiwanese basketball on the world stage.