REMY MARTIN JOINS STRONG GROUP FOR JONES CUP CAMPAIGN
Finally, Remy Martin is set to suit up for a Philippine team.
Martin will complete the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster as the squad chases a third consecutive William Jones Cup title.
"Over the past four years of competing overseas, one name kept coming up wherever we went — Remy Martin. We listened. That's why we're proud to bring Remy to Strong Group," said Strong Group president Jacob Lao.
"He's a proven winner, a champion, and someone we believe embodies the standard we're striving for as we continue to represent the Philippines on the international stage."
The 6-foot guard led the Kansas Jayhawks to the 2022 NCAA Division I championship.
During his decorated collegiate career, the Filipino-American standout earned two All-Pac-12 First Team selections and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in 2022.
After college, Martin played for Greek club Lavrio before joining Icelandic side Keflavík, which he helped reach the top of the league in 2024.
"I'm pleased we finally worked things out with Remy. I've been looking to recruit him for quite some time, but our schedules just didn't align until now," said longtime Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.
"He's really excited to come play for us, and he wants to win. I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with him."
Also reinforcing Strong Group is Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro.
The 6-foot-7 forward has been a mainstay for the Puerto Rico national team. He previously played for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League before taking his talents overseas, with stints in Latvia, Turkey, and Spain. He later returned home to Puerto Rico to suit up for Santurce.
"We wanted another (Andre) Roberson-type player—someone who can do everything for us," said Tiu, referring to Roberson's pivotal role in Strong Group's title run last year.
"He's a glue guy who can shoot, play in the post, and defend. He's been a fixture on the national team, and we're looking forward to seeing what he brings to our team."
Leading the Bet88-backed squad are former NBA center Boban Marjanović and returning players Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili.
Making their Strong Group debuts are Matthew Wright, William Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso.
Strong Group has been drawn into a group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it aims to become the first team to win three straight William Jones Cup championships since Iran accomplished the feat from 2009 to 2011.
The tournament will be held from August 8 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
