STRONG GROUP LOADS UP FOR JONES CUP THREE-PEAT WITH WRIGHT, NAVARRO, SHAUN ILDEFONSO
Strong Group Athletics has further strengthened its roster as it pursues a third straight championship in the 45th William Jones Cup, adding veteran Matthew Wright along with versatile forwards William Navarro and Shaun Ildefonso to its loaded lineup.
The two-time defending champions unveiled the trio ahead of the prestigious tournament, which will be held from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Strong Group president Jacob Lao welcomed the additions, noting that Wright and Navarro bring valuable international experience while also expressing his gratitude to Abra and its backers for allowing the Ildefonso brothers and DJ Fenner to reinforce the squad.
"Matthew and William have both competed internationally, and that experience is something that will really help our team as we go for another Jones Cup championship," said Lao. "William and Shaun are also my kuyas from our time in Ateneo, so it's great to have them with us once again. I'd also like to thank Congressman JB Bernos for allowing Shaun, along with Dave and DJ, to suit up for Strong Group despite their commitments with Abra in the MPBL. We truly appreciate the support."
Wright, a 6-foot-4 wing who recently signed with B.League One club Saitama, returns to the Philippine basketball scene after last seeing action in December when he helped Gilas Pilipinas capture the gold medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Longtime Strong Group coach Charles Tiu is equally excited to reunite with the veteran shooter after nearly a decade.
"I've been trying to recruit Matt to play for me again in Phoenix, but it just hasn't worked out," said Tiu. "I'm glad to finally get the chance to coach him again. It's been almost 10 years since we last worked together, even before he joined the PBA."
"I always want a veteran on my team. Matt can still play at a high level and is a great shooter for us. You can never have too many shooters, so we're really looking forward to working with him again."
Navarro, meanwhile, recently concluded his stint with Busan KCC in the Korean Basketball League and is currently a free agent.
"We've been trying to get William to join our team for a while now, so it's nice to finally make it happen," Tiu said. "We're hoping he can get back to playing at a high level after his stint in Korea and gradually work his way back to the PBA. He's a versatile forward who gives us a lot of size."
The 6-foot-6 forward is expected to bolster Strong Group's frontcourt with his ability to defend multiple positions and contribute across the board.
Joining him is Shaun Ildefonso, who has emerged as one of the bright spots for the Abra Weavers in the ongoing 2026 MPBL season.
The athletic forward is averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game and will now get the opportunity to team up with younger brother Dave on the international stage.
"Dave has been wanting the chance to play with his brother, so we're finally able to make it happen," Tiu shared. "We expect him to bring a lot of energy, and he can be a lockdown defender for us. He's always the kind of guy you want on your team."
Wright, Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso join an already formidable Strong Group roster, supported by Bet88, bannered by Boban Marjanovic, Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili.
Strong Group has been drawn into a challenging group featuring Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it seeks to become the first team to capture three consecutive William Jones Cup championships since Iran did the feat from 2009-2011.
