Strong Group taps Serbian ex-NBA big man Boban Marjanovic

HONG KONG -- Strong Group Athletics just got a whole lot bigger. 

With Strong Group eyeing to complete a three-peat in the Wiliam Jones Cup, the squad signed one of its biggest reinforcements yet in former NBA center Boban Marjanovic. 

Marjanovic, a 7-foot-4 center, will be the main man in the middle for SGA in the upcoming Jones Cup. 

"We're building the best team possible because we know this will be the toughest William Jones Cup yet," SGA president Jacob Lao said in a statement. 

"Every participating country is expected to bring in quality lineups, so we want to make sure we're prepared for that challenge. Bringing in a player like Boban gives us a tremendous presence on both ends of the floor, and we're excited to have him represent Strong Group-Pilipinas."

The Jones Cup will be held from August 8-23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

Marjanovic will be a huge boost for the team – literally – as he boasts a nine-year NBA career. He suited up for multiple squads from 2015 to 2024 for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

SGA coach Charles Tiu said that the team has talked with Marjanovic “for some time,” as he expressed confidence that the veteran center is fully committed to the campaign.

"Excited on getting Boban to agree to play for us. We've been having some good talks, he's in shape and serious about this tournament, he's preparing back home even before he flies out here. We've already talked a bit about basketball and our plans. Great and funny guy too," said Tiu.

SGA has ruled the Jones Cup the previous two years, beating Republic of China - Blue in both years.