It took years of waiting, but Remy Martin is finally headed to Philippine basketball.
The Filipino-American guard will suit up for a Philippine club team for the first time after being named to the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster for the 2026 William Jones Cup, giving one of the most accomplished Fil-Am guards of his generation a long-awaited opportunity to represent a Philippine squad on the international stage.
For Strong Group, Martin’s arrival isn’t just another marquee signing—it’s the culmination of a pursuit that stretched over several years.
“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 team 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.”
Martin built his reputation in the United States as one of college basketball’s most dynamic guards before reaching the pinnacle of the NCAA.
After starring at Arizona State and earning two All-Pac-12 First Team selections, the 6-foot playmaker transferred to the University of Kansas, where he helped the Jayhawks capture the 2022 NCAA Division I championship. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional during Kansas’ memorable title run.
Since then, Martin has continued his professional career in Europe, suiting up for Greek side Lavrio before moving to Iceland, where he helped Keflavík become one of the league’s top teams.
Now, the next stop in his basketball journey brings him closer to his Filipino roots.
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FINALLY REPPING THE FLAG
After years of being linked to Philippine teams, Fil-Am guard and NCAA champion Remy Martin is finally set to suit up for Strong Group-Pilipinas as it chases a historic third straight William Jones Cup title.#JonesCup pic.twitter.com/O7WZvsuPfC
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 1, 2026
Head coach Charles Tiu admitted Martin has been on the organization’s radar for years, making this year’s signing especially rewarding.
“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,” Tiu said.
“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.”
Martin won’t be the only fresh face joining the defending champions.
Puerto Rico national team veteran Isaiah Piñeiro also joins Strong Group, bringing experience from the NBA G League and professional leagues in Spain, Turkey, Latvia and Puerto Rico.
According to Tiu, Piñeiro fills a role the team has been searching for since the departure of former import Andre Roberson.
“We wanted another (Andre) Roberson-type player—someone who can do everything for us,” Tiu said.
“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.”
Martin joins a loaded Strong Group roster that already features former NBA center Boban Marjanović alongside Angelo Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili. Matthew Wright, William Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso are also set to make their debuts for the squad.
The mission is clear.
Strong Group is chasing a historic third consecutive William Jones Cup championship, a feat no team has accomplished since Iran captured three straight titles from 2009 to 2011.
The Philippine club opens its campaign in New Taipei City grouped with Chinese Taipei Blue, South Korea, and Japan as it begins another quest to keep the Jones Cup trophy in Filipino hands.
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