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Tag: Strong Group Pilipinas

  • Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    For Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, the 45th William Jones Cup offers more than another opportunity to compete for a championship.

     

    It gives the brothers a chance to share the court for the Philippines on a stage they have never experienced together before.

     

    The Ildefonso brothers have already gone through several chapters as teammates. They played together at National University in the UAAP before Shaun moved to Ateneo de Manila University, and they eventually reunited in the professional ranks with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

     


    Now, they are taking that partnership beyond the Philippine basketball scene.

     

    Dave is returning to Strong Group-Pilipinas as the team chases a historic third straight Jones Cup title, while Shaun joins Charles Tiu’s squad for the first time.

     

    For Dave, having his younger brother beside him makes an already meaningful opportunity even more special.

     

    “Siguro it’s a, malaking step up talaga, it’s an international league this time around. And kasama ko pa rin kuya ko. So it’s a great feeling to be able to experience this with him. And hopefully, maka-championship ako kasama siya,” Dave told reporters.

     

    Shaun, meanwhile, sees the tournament as a rare chance to test himself against high-level international competition while learning from some of the biggest names on the roster.

     

    “It’s not every day that you get to play with Boban, sila Tee, DJ, Matthew Wright, sila Remy Martin. These big names, I’m just really trying to learn from them talaga,” he told the media.

     

    “Especially, hindi ako masyado makapag-international stint sa buong career ko. So, given this chance, I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Shaun added.

     

    But beyond basketball, the brothers are also carrying a family name that has followed them throughout their careers.

     

    Dave sees their reunion as another chapter in a journey that began in college, was temporarily separated when Shaun transferred schools, and eventually brought them back together in Abra before leading to this international opportunity.

     

    “Siyempre it’s a good opportunity to represent the country, but also yung pangalan namin, give homage to our family. It’s been us ever since, nung college, tapos naghiwalay kami tapos ito ulit sa Abra,” he said.

     

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    For Shaun, the focus is simple: appreciate the opportunity and make every moment count.

     

    “We’ll just treat it as another tournament where we can share the court together. Ang daming players na would sacrifice a lot to be in this position. We’re just really thinking of that. You know, just give everything on the court while sharing this experience with him,” Shaun explained.

     

    The brothers will be part of a loaded Strong Group lineup featuring former NBA big man Boban Marjanović, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, veteran Matthew Wright, and returning players DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee and Titing Manalili.

     

    Naturalized big man Malick Diouf, William Navarro and Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro also add depth to a squad determined to extend its dominance in the tournament.

     

    That dominance, however, also means Strong Group will enter Taiwan with an even bigger target on its back.

     

    “Mas malaki yung targets on our backs kasi nga it’s our third year and we’re trying to gun for the third three-peat. So I heard nga na our competition this year is stronger and parang nag-iba pa yung tournament format,” Dave said.

     

    “So I think we have a really big target on our backs this year. Pero yun nga, you said that we have a bunch of new guys and I’m really confident in our team this year,” Dave added.

     

    Strong Group-Pilipinas will travel to Taiwan on Thursday ahead of the nine-day tournament, which runs from August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

     

    For the Ildefonsos, the goal remains the same as the rest of the team: win another title. But whatever happens, they will get to experience something that has been years in the making—representing the Philippines together on an international court.

     

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  • 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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  • Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Strong Group Athletics’ pursuit of a historic William Jones Cup three-peat just got a whole lot bigger.

     

    Former NBA giant Boban Marjanović has officially arrived in the Philippines, bringing his towering 7-foot-4 frame to a Strong Group squad aiming to accomplish something no team has achieved in more than a decade.

     

    The Serbian veteran will headline Strong Group’s campaign in the 45th William Jones Cup, scheduled from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan, where the Philippine club is chasing a third consecutive championship.

     

    If successful, Strong Group would become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to win three straight Jones Cup titles.

     

    Marjanović’s arrival also continues the recent trend of towering international stars bringing their talents to Philippine basketball. Earlier this year, 7-foot-3 center Bol Bol suited up for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, while Boban now takes his talents to the international stage with Strong Group.

     

    The veteran center was personally welcomed by head coach Charles Tiu, who spearheaded the effort to bring the former NBA big man to the tournament.

     

    According to veteran Filipino-based player agent Roger Jimenez, the recruitment process began when Tiu reached out in search of a marquee reinforcement capable of anchoring the team’s title defense.

     

    Jimenez then connected with Marjanović’s representative in Serbia—the same agency that also handles three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić—and negotiations quickly progressed before the Serbian agreed to join Strong Group.

     

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    Jimenez has built a reputation for bringing high-profile imports to Philippine basketball, having previously helped secure the services of current NLEX import DeQuan Jones, former San Miguel champion Chris McCullough, and former Meralco reinforcement Tony Bishop.

     

    For Filipino basketball fans, Marjanović is hardly an unfamiliar face.

     

    The veteran center twice stood in the way of Gilas Pilipinas while representing Serbia in international competition.

     

    He was part of the Serbian squad that defeated the Philippines during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China before once again helping eliminate Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

     

    This time, however, Marjanović will be wearing Philippine colors as he helps Strong Group continue its dominance in one of Asia’s most prestigious invitational tournaments.

     

    The Serbian will join a loaded roster featuring former Gilas standouts Matthew Wright and William Navarro, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, Puerto Rico national team veteran Isaiah Piñeiro, brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf, DJ Fenner, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Tajuan Agee.

     

    Strong Group opens the tournament in a challenging preliminary group alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, South Korea, and Japan, with its sights firmly set on adding another championship to its growing legacy.

     

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  • Remy Martin finally gets Philippine club opportunity with Strong Group for Jones Cup title bid

    Remy Martin finally gets Philippine club opportunity with Strong Group for Jones Cup title bid

    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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    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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  • Powerhouse Strong Group-Pilipinas eyes historic Jones Cup three-peat behind Dave Ildefonso, returning core

    Powerhouse Strong Group-Pilipinas eyes historic Jones Cup three-peat behind Dave Ildefonso, returning core

    Strong Group-Pilipinas is once again bringing back a battle-tested core as it sets its sights on making history in the William Jones Cup.

     

    Headlined by Dave Ildefonso, several key contributors from the wsquad’s previous championship runs will return as the Philippines looks to capture an unprecedented third consecutive Jones Cup title, further cementing the country’s dominance in one of Asia’s longest-running international basketball tournaments.

     

    Joining Ildefonso are familiar faces Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag, giving Strong Group-Pilipinas one of its deepest and most experienced rosters yet. Their chemistry, built over multiple international campaigns, is expected to be one of the team’s biggest advantages as it enters the tournament with a target on its back.

     

    Unlike most teams that enter the Jones Cup hoping to contend, Strong Group-Pilipinas arrives in Taiwan with far greater expectations. After winning back-to-back championships and dominating much of last year’s tournament, anything less than another gold medal would be viewed as a disappointment for a program that has quickly established itself as the tournament’s benchmark.

     

    The Philippines has long been one of the most successful nations in Jones Cup history, and Strong Group has proudly carried that tradition in recent years. With consecutive titles already under its belt, the squad now has the opportunity to accomplish something no Philippine team has ever achieved—a third straight championship.

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    Ildefonso, meanwhile, is expected to take on an even bigger role after continuing to develop his game over the past year. Surrounded by seasoned veterans and proven international performers, the versatile wing gives Strong Group another reliable scoring option while also providing length and defensive versatility on both ends of the floor.

     

    Team officials have made no secret of their ambitions. Retaining the championship remains the only objective, and bringing back much of last year’s roster reflects the organization’s belief that continuity and familiarity can once again lead to success.

     

    Of course, defending a title is never easy. Every opponent will be eager to knock off the reigning champions, making Strong Group-Pilipinas the team everyone will be chasing throughout the competition.

     

    Still, with an experienced core, proven international pedigree, and a roster loaded with talent, Strong Group-Pilipinas enters the tournament as the clear favorite. Now, the challenge is turning those lofty expectations into another championship—and completing a historic Jones Cup three-peat.

     

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  • Strong Group Pilipinas completes Formosa roster with Mylene Paat-Rezanova, Cam Bartolome additions 

    Strong Group Pilipinas completes Formosa roster with Mylene Paat-Rezanova, Cam Bartolome additions 

    Strong Group Pilipinas has settled on the final pieces of its roster ahead of its international assignment of the year, reinforcing its lineup with a rising collegiate star and a seasoned veteran for the 2026 Formosa Women’s Volleyball Invitational Tournament.


    The Philippine squad announced the additions of NCAA Season 101 Rookie of the Year Cam Bartolome and Farm Fresh opposite hitter Mylene Paat-Rezanova, completing the team that will compete in Taiwan from July 30 to Aug. 2.

     

    The pair replaces Jovelyn Gonzaga and Royse Tubino, giving the national selection a mix of youthful promise and international experience as it prepares to battle some of Asia’s top club and national selection teams.

     

    At just 19 years old, Bartolome enters the tournament as the youngest player on the roster. The College of Saint Benilde standout emerged as one of the NCAA’s brightest young stars after a dominant Season 101 campaign that earned her both the Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. 

     

    The former Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts standout also established herself as one of the league’s premier middle blockers, making her a valuable addition to the Philippine frontline.

     

    While Bartolome represents the future, Paat-Rezanova brings proven firepower to the present as the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player joined Farm Fresh earlier this year and adds veteran leadership to Strong Group Pilipinas. 

     

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    Known for her scoring ability and international experience, the opposite hitter is expected to provide stability against a highly competitive field.

     

    Their arrival rounds out a roster that combines established Premier Volleyball League stars with emerging talent.

     

    Leading the squad are reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Trisha Tubu, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Maicah Larroza, Ces Molina, Louie Romero, and Jonna Perdido from Farm Fresh. They will be joined by ZUS Coffee standouts Chinnie Arroyo, AC Miner, Clo Mondoñedo, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, and Zamantha Nolasco.

     

    Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara will lead the Philippine side, with ZUS Coffee mentor Jerry Yee serving as assistant coach alongside Kungfu Reyes and Shaq Delos Santos.

     

    Strong Group Pilipinas will field a combined selection from Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee in the Taichung Bank-backed tournament, where the Filipinas will test themselves against club and national selection teams from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong.

     

    With its roster now finalized, Strong Group Pilipinas heads to Taiwan carrying a balanced lineup built to compete against some of the region’s strongest opposition while gaining valuable international experience ahead of the domestic volleyball season.

     

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