Remy Martin included in Strong Group's Jones Cup bid

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino-American guard Remy Martin will finally be able to put on a Philippine jersey in an international tournament, as he joins the Strong Group Athletics in the upcoming William Jones Cup. 

The six-foot-tall guard has been tied to multiple Gilas Pilipinas squads in the past, but eligibility rules did not allow him to put on the Philippine jersey. 

But now, he will be representing the Philippines with SGA, which is aiming to win a third consecutive Jones Cup title. 

"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 Strong Group 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."

After leading the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2022 NCAA Division I championship, Martin has played for Greek club Lavrio before joining Icelandic side Keflavík, which he helped reach the top of the league in 2024.

"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," said longtime Strong Group coach Charles Tiu.

"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."

Aside from Martin, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Pineiro complete the 12-man roster. 

The 6-foot-7 forward has been a mainstay for the Puerto Rico national team. He previously played for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League before taking his talents overseas, with stints in Latvia, Turkey and Spain. 

"We wanted another (Andre) Roberson-type player — someone who can do everything for us," said Tiu, referring to Roberson's pivotal role in Strong Group's title run last year.

"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."

This year’s SGA is made up of former NBA center Boban Marjanovi? and returning players Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, Matthew Wright, William Navarro, Shaun Ildefonso and Titing Manalili.

The squad will face Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea and Japan in the group phase. 

The tournament will be held from August 8-23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.