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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Boban Marjanović is embracing the opportunity to suit up for Strong Group-Pilipinas, sharing his excitement to play in front of Filipino fans as he continues to build chemistry with the team ahead of the William Jones Cup. | via Kiko Demigillo/One Sports pic.twitter.com/rHvFRNxJcE
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 7, 2026
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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