Wright, Navarro, Shaun Ildefonso beef up Strong Group for Jones Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- Solid wings are in tow for the Strong Group Athletics, as they aim to complete a trifecta of titles in the William Jones Cup. 

SGA has tapped veteran wings Matthew Wright, William Navarro and Shaun Ildefonso as part of the team that will compete in the 45th William Jones Cup in Taiwan next month. 

The sharpshooting Wright is currently playing for the Saitama Broncos in the Japan B.League, while Navarro is currently a free agent after a season with Busan KCC in the Korean Basketball League. 

The two have been members of Gilas Pilipinas teams in the past. 

Ildefonso is currently averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL, and will now get the opportunity to team up with younger brother Dave on the international stage.

"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," Strong Group President Jacob 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.” 

Aside from the two Ildefonsos, Wright and Navarro, the team is bannered by 7-foot-3 behemoth Boban Marjanovic. 

Also in the team are DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag and Titing Manalili.

SGA has won the previous two editions of the Jones Cup, and is aiming to become the first team to capture three consecutive William Jones Cup championships since Iran did the feat from 2009 to 2011.

Strong Group coach Charles Tiu said he is excited to reunite with Wright, whom he has been trying to recruit with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA. 

"I've been trying to recruit Matt to play for me again in Phoenix, but it just hasn't worked out," said Tiu. "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."

Tiu also voiced joy on coaching Navarro, who last played in the PBA for the Magnolia Hotshots before going to Korea. 

"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."

Tiu also said that Dave wanted to play alongside his brother anew, and it is finally a reality. 

"We expect [Shaun] 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.”

Strong Group has been drawn into a challenging group featuring Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea and Japan on the competition that is set from August 8-23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.