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Tag: 2026 Jones Cup

  • William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro is not closing the door on a PBA return, even as his basketball future in the league remains largely out of his hands.

     

    The 29-year-old forward remains hopeful that he can once again play in the PBA, but knows that any comeback will depend on the league’s decision regarding the three-year ban imposed on him.

     

    “Hopefully, why not,” Navarro said during Strong Group Athletics’ media day ahead of the 45th William Jones Cup. “Naka-ban ako, eh. If tanggalin nila ‘yun, babalik ako.”

     

     

    Navarro was among the players sanctioned by the PBA after turning down a contract offer from his mother team and choosing to continue his career overseas.

     

    The former Ateneo standout declined a renewal from Magnolia before moving to South Korea, where he helped KCC Egis win a championship. He later parted ways with the club just weeks after their title triumph.

     

    His PBA playing rights have since changed hands, with Magnolia trading them to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for Arvin Tolentino.

     

    For now, though, Navarro can only wait for the league to make its next move.

     

    “We’re just waiting for what they’re [PBA] gonna say,” Navarro said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

     

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    Rather than allow the uncertainty surrounding his PBA status to become a distraction, Navarro has chosen to put his attention on the opportunity immediately in front of him.

     

    That means helping Strong Group-Pilipinas defend its Jones Cup crown and chase a third consecutive championship in the prestigious tournament.

     

    “I’m just very grateful for the opportunity kasi ‘di naman lahat nakaka-experience niyan,” he said.

    For Navarro, the Jones Cup provides more than another competition. It gives him a chance to stay sharp, contribute to a talented national selection and continue proving what he can bring on the court while his next chapter remains unclear.

     

    “I’m just going to prepare for this moment. Whatever happens in the future, wala pa. After nito, I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

     

    For now, Navarro’s focus is simple: play, compete and make the most of the opportunity in front of him.

     

    Whatever comes after the Jones Cup — including a possible return to the PBA — will have to wait.

     

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  • Boban Marjanovic puts team before role in Strong Group Jones Cup title chase 

    Boban Marjanovic puts team before role in Strong Group Jones Cup title chase 

     For Boban Marjanovic, there is no need to know exactly how many minutes he will play or how many touches will come his way.

     

    The towering Serbian center already knows what matters most.

     

    Whatever Strong Group Athletics needs from him, Marjanovic is ready to provide as the team prepares for its Jones Cup title defense, with the veteran big man embracing a role that could change from game to game.

     

    “What coach (Charles Tiu) says, if this is what kind of role, I’ll take it. We need to be a team. What the coach has on his mind, we’re supposed to get done,” said the 7-foot-4 slotman, showcasing the consummate professionalism that helped him carve out a nine-year NBA career.

     

    “Sometimes it’s really not easy, but we’re a team, and we’re supposed to handle this together. Nothing easy in this sport. Nothing easy to win something. Nothing easy to compare. Nothing easy to go every night and play the best you can.”

     

    At 37, Marjanovic arrives with a wealth of experience and is expected to provide a major presence in the paint as Strong Group Athletics looks to win the Jones Cup for the third consecutive time.

     

    He will have help inside from Malick Diouf and Allen Liwag, giving Charles Tiu plenty of options in the frontcourt as the team looks to blend its different pieces into one championship unit.

     

    Despite having less than a week of practice with his new teammates, Marjanovic has already been impressed by the group.

     

    “You know, to be honest, they impressed me, everybody. Because basketball is something when they’re circling around. It’s not more like bad players. It’s just like players who want to work but don’t want to work. It’s like all over the world, it’s so worldwide,” said the Serbian national team veteran.

     

    “Basketball has become a global sport, and you cannot underestimate nobody. It’s just a sport like that, and I’m so happy with all my teammates.”

     

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    That global perspective is something Marjanovic brings naturally after spending years competing at the highest levels of basketball.

     

    Now, he is looking to use that experience to help Strong Group Athletics extend its Jones Cup reign. But winning is not the only item on his checklist.

     

    “Of course, we come here to win tournaments. That’s the first goal. And of course, second, to have fun. And of course, third, to meet friends. That’s like three goals that I have right now. For sure, they have so many, but these are the main three ones that I have right now,” said Marjanovic.

     

    His first visit to the Philippines has also given him plenty to enjoy away from the court.

     

    “I love it. So far, I’m enjoying. First time in the Philippines and I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “It’s great. Too much rain, but everything else — food, people, place, basketball, my teammates, everybody — I really enjoy it,” he said.

     

    The Filipino reception has been particularly memorable for the NBA veteran, who said the attention has followed him beyond the basketball court.

     

    “I get a lot of messages, I get a lot of love, outside — not just on the court, outside like on the street, in the mall. Almost everybody knows my name. Really big love from me, and for all this respect. That means I do a great job on and off the court, and I really respect them. A lot of love for them.”

     

    For now, Marjanovic’s focus is simple: fit into Tiu’s system, help his teammates and chase another championship.

     

    His role may not be defined yet, but his purpose is already clear.

     

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  • Matthew Wright returns as Strong Group loads up for Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Matthew Wright returns as Strong Group loads up for Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    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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