Strong Group adds Wright, Navarro, Shaun Ildefonso for Jones Cup title defense

Strong Group Athletics has bolstered its roster for the 45th William Jones Cup, adding veteran guard Matthew Wright and versatile forwards William Navarro and Shaun Ildefonso as it pursues a third straight championship.

The two-time defending champions unveiled the trio ahead of the tournament, which will be held from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.

Strong Group president Jacob Lao welcomed the additions, highlighting the international experience of Wright and Navarro while thanking Abra and its supporters for allowing Shaun and Dave Ildefonso, along with DJ Fenner, to reinforce the team.

"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.

"William and Shaun are also my kuyas from our time in Ateneo, so it's great to have them with us once again.

"I'd also like to thank Congressman JB Bernos for allowing Shaun, along with Dave and DJ, to suit up for Strong Group despite their commitments with Abra in the MPBL. We truly appreciate the support."

Wright returns to Philippine basketball after recently signing with B.League One club Saitama. The 6-foot-4 wing last played locally when he helped Gilas Pilipinas win the gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Head coach Charles Tiu expressed his excitement over reuniting with Wright 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.

"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."

Navarro joins Strong Group after wrapping up his stint with Busan KCC in the Korean Basketball League and is expected to add versatility and size to the team's frontcourt.

"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. He's a versatile forward who gives us a lot of size."

Shaun Ildefonso also earned a spot after emerging as one of the key contributors for the Abra Weavers in the ongoing MPBL season, where he is averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

"Dave has been wanting the chance to play with his brother, so we're finally able to make it happen," Tiu said.

"We expect him to bring a lot of energy, and he can be a lockdown defender for us. He's always the kind of guy you want on your team."

The three newcomers join a star-studded Strong Group roster led by Boban Marjanovic, Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili.

Strong Group has been drawn into a tough group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it seeks to become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to win three consecutive William Jones Cup titles.