Strong squad

The Frank Lao-backed club means business after signing up 7-foot-4 veteran National Basketball Association (NBA) campaigner Boban Marjanović.

Speaking to the Filipino media after a training session on Friday at the Activate Hoop Arena in Mandaluyong City, Marjanović said he is willing to do whatever the coaching staff, led by head coach Charles Tiu, asks of him to ensure Strong Group remains relevant all throughout.

“What coach has on his mind, we’re supposed to get done. Sometimes it’s really not easy, but we are a team and we’re supposed to handle this together,” said Marjanović, who suited up for the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks.

“Nothing is easy in this sport. Nothing is easy to win, nothing is easy to prepare, nothing is easy to go every night and play the best you can.”

Joining Marjanović are Strong Group’s championship core of Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee and Titing Manalili.

Also making their debut for the squad are Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, Remy Martin, Matthew Wright, William Navarro, Shaun Ildefonso and Malick Diouf, who came in as a replacement for Ange Kouamé.

The 37-year-old Serbian center said he has been impressed with the team’s composition as he quickly developed chemistry with his teammates.

But first things first: the mission is to help Strong Group capture another Jones Cup title.

“To be honest, everybody impresses me. Basketball is worldwide. You cannot underestimate anybody. I’m so happy with all my teammates,” Marjanović said.

“Of course, we came here to win the tournament. That’s the first goal. Second is to have fun and third, to meet the fans. Those are my three main goals right now.”

Since the Jones Cup’s inception in 1977, the Philippines has never won three straight titles despite capturing eight championships overall.

The last country to win three consecutive Jones Cup titles was Iran, which ruled from 2009 to 2011 behind Hamed Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah Bahrami.

The path to the elusive three-peat will be anything but easy as Chinese Taipei Blue, Chinese Taipei White, Korea, Japan, the United States, Jordan and Malaysia all look to spoil Strong Group’s bid.

Tiu, who has won four Jones Cup titles with Strong Group and Mighty Sports, said he has been impressed with Marjanović and expects the team to develop strong chemistry heading into the tournament.

“He’s been great, obviously being around in the last couple of days. Great guy, fun teammate, but very professional also. Doesn’t complain, just gets to work,” Tiu said.

“It’s up to them to compete for the minutes. I like what I’m seeing in practice so far. Nobody wants to lose.”