The wait is finally over. Remy Martin, the sharpshooting guard who led Kansas to the 2022 NCAA championship, is set to suit up for a Philippine team for the first time, completing a stacked Strong Group-Pilipinas roster as it chases an unprecedented third consecutive William 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.”

A Four-Year Chase Finally Pays Off

The 6-foot guard’s collegiate résumé speaks for itself. Martin earned two All-Pac-12 First Team selections and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in 2022, the same year he helped power Kansas to a national title. Since going pro, the Filipino-American standout has built an impressive international résumé, suiting up for Greek club Lavrio before joining Icelandic side Keflavík, whom he helped reach the top of the league standings in 2024.

For longtime Strong Group coach Charles Tiu, landing Martin was a matter of persistence finally meeting timing.

“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.”

Piñeiro Signing Adds Muscle to Championship Push

Martin isn’t the only fresh face bolstering the roster. Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, a 6-foot-7 mainstay of the Puerto Rico national team, also joins the fold. Piñeiro previously played for the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League before taking his game overseas with stops in Latvia, Turkey and Spain, eventually returning home to suit up for Santurce.

Tiu compared the addition to one of the key contributors from Strong Group’s title run a year ago.

“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.”

The Bet88-backed squad will also lean on former NBA center Boban Marjanović, along with returning veterans Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag and Titing Manalili. Matthew Wright, William Navarro and Shaun Ildefonso round out the roster as newcomers making their Strong Group debuts.

Strong Group has been drawn into a group alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea and Japan as it hunts for history — no team has won three straight William Jones Cup titles since Iran pulled off the feat from 2009 to 2011. The tournament runs from August 8 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.