Matthew Wright’s return to Philippine basketball will come with championship expectations.
The veteran wing is set to wear the colors of Strong Group Pilipinas after being named one of the team’s newest reinforcements for the 45th William Jones Cup, strengthening an already loaded roster determined to defend its crown in Taiwan.
Wright headlines a three-man boost that also includes versatile forward William Navarro and rising swingman Shaun Ildefonso as Strong Group intensifies preparations for the August 8 to 23 tournament at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Although Wright recently signed with B.LEAGUE Division One club Saitama, the former PBA standout will make a brief return to the Philippine basketball scene after last representing Gilas Pilipinas in its gold medal-winning campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
His arrival also marks a long-awaited reunion with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu, who has been eager to coach Wright again 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,” Tiu said. “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.”
Tiu believes Wright’s veteran presence and perimeter shooting will be valuable assets as Strong Group chases another international title.
“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.”
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Strong Group president Jacob Lao also highlighted the importance of adding experienced international campaigners like Wright and Navarro.
“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,” Lao said.
Navarro joins the squad after completing his stint with Busan KCC in the Korean Basketball League, where he gained valuable overseas experience. The 6-foot-6 forward is expected to provide versatility on both ends while working toward a return to the PBA.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Shaun Ildefonso earns an opportunity to showcase his game on the international stage following an impressive MPBL campaign with the Abra Weavers, where he has averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. The tournament will also allow him to suit up alongside younger brother Dave Ildefonso for the first time in Strong Group colors.
“We expect him to bring a lot of energy, and he can be a lockdown defender for us,” Tiu said.
The three newcomers join a formidable lineup featuring NBA veteran Boban Marjanovic, Angelo Kouame, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Dave Ildefonso.
Strong Group enters this year’s William Jones Cup with history on the line after winning the last two editions. Drawn alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan, the defending champions are aiming to become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to capture three consecutive Jones Cup titles.
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