Veteran guard DJ Fenner is keeping his sights firmly set on the present, but the well-traveled American already has his next major career goal in mind.
Fenner is currently training with Strong Group Pilipinas as the squad prepares for the 2026 William Jones Cup in Taiwan, where it will attempt to capture a third consecutive title later this month.
While the upcoming international tournament remains his immediate priority, Fenner has also confirmed that he intends to take the next step in his Philippine basketball journey by entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft in January 2027.
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“Yes, that’s the plan, is to enter this draft in January and see what happens,” Fenner told members of the media.
The decision could mark another significant chapter in Fenner’s already well-traveled basketball career. The American guard has built considerable experience playing in the Philippines and is now looking to translate that familiarity with the country’s basketball scene into an opportunity in the PBA.
However, Fenner is not looking too far ahead just yet.
Rather than identifying a preferred PBA team or speculating about where he could land in the draft, the veteran guard said his attention is firmly on finishing his current commitments on a strong note.
“You know, I’m not too sure. I’m just really trying to finish the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) strong, have a good showing here with Strong Group in Taiwan,” Fenner said.
“So I’m really just kind of taking it step by step and trying to get better each and every day. Hopefully, I will be ready to go in the PBA in 2027.”
That measured approach reflects Fenner’s focus as he prepares for what could be one of the biggest opportunities of his career.
DJ Fenner eyes 2027 PBA Draft following Jones Cup, MPBL stintshttps://t.co/TXVUjIhHGE
— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) August 9, 2026
Before thinking about the PBA Draft, however, Fenner has another important task in front of him.
Strong Group Pilipinas is aiming to extend its dominance in the William Jones Cup after winning the prestigious international tournament in the previous two editions. The team will once again field a deep and star-studded roster as it attempts to make it three titles in a row.
Leading the charge is former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Boban Marjanovic, whose imposing presence in the frontcourt gives Strong Group a major advantage heading into the tournament.
Marjanovic will be joined by a talented group of international and Filipino players, including Filipino center Malick Diouf, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Pineiro, American center Tajuan Agee and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Allen Liwag.
Fenner is also part of the loaded roster, adding veteran experience and another capable scoring option to a team built to compete at the highest level.
For Fenner, the William Jones Cup provides another opportunity to test himself against quality international competition while continuing to build toward his long-term objective of playing in the PBA.
The tournament could also serve as an important showcase for players hoping to make an impression ahead of the next PBA Draft cycle.
Fenner, however, appears determined not to let the possibility of a PBA future distract him from his immediate responsibilities.
His approach is straightforward: perform well with Strong Group, continue improving and let the rest take care of itself.
That mentality could prove valuable as the competition heats up in Taiwan, particularly with Strong Group entering the tournament carrying the expectations that come with being the defending champion.
The 2026 William Jones Cup is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 20 in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
With a championship to defend and a loaded roster at its disposal, Strong Group will be aiming to once again establish itself as the team to beat.
For Fenner, meanwhile, the tournament represents both a chance to help Strong Group make more history and another important step toward his own basketball ambitions.
If everything goes according to plan, his next major stop could be the PBA Draft in January 2027.
But for now, Fenner is taking the road one step at a time — starting with Strong Group’s pursuit of a third straight William Jones Cup crown.
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