Remy Martin completes Strong Group roster for Jones Cup title defense

Remy Martin is finally set to represent a Philippine team as he joins Strong Group-Pilipinas for the 45th William Jones Cup, where the squad will chase a third consecutive championship.

Strong Group president Jacob Lao confirmed the addition of the Filipino-American guard, who completes the team’s roster for the prestigious tournament scheduled from August 8 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

"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," Lao said.

"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."

The 6-foot guard led the Kansas Jayhawks to the 2022 NCAA Division I championship and earned two All-Pac-12 First Team selections during his collegiate career. He was also named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in 2022.

After college, Martin played professionally for Greek club Lavrio before moving to Icelandic side Keflavík, where he helped the team reach the top of the league in 2024.

Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu said he had been hoping to bring Martin into the fold for years.

"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."

Also joining the roster is Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, a 6-foot-7 versatile forward who has represented Puerto Rico internationally and previously played in the NBA G League with the Stockton Kings.

Piñeiro also had overseas stints in Latvia, Turkey, and Spain before returning to Puerto Rico to play for Santurce.

"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."

Strong Group is still looking for a replacement for naturalized Filipino Angelo Kouame, who remains sidelined due to injury.

The roster is led by former NBA center Boban Marjanović and returning players Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili.

Matthew Wright, William Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso are among the newcomers joining the squad.

Strong Group was drawn into a challenging group featuring Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it aims to become the first team since Iran from 2009 to 2011 to win three consecutive William Jones Cup titles.