Remy Martin #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks on in the first half of the game against the Creighton Bluejays during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. Ron Jenkins, Getty Images/AFP/File
MANILA -- Filipino-American guard Remy Martin will finally get to suit up for a Philippine team, as he completes the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster that is chasing a third consecutive William Jones Cup championship.
Martin was a pivotal player for Kansas when they won the 2022 NCAA championship. He was the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in 2022, and earned two All-Pac-12 First Team selections.
After college, Martin 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."
READ: Ildefonso, Agee, Fenner back in the fold as Strong Group defends Jones Cup crown
Also reinforcing Strong Group is Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro.
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. He later returned home to Puerto Rico to suit up for Santurce.
"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."
Martin and Piñeiro join a Strong Group team that features former NBA center Boban Marjanović and returning players Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Angelo Kouame, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili.
READ: Strong Group acquires services of ex-NBA center Boban Marjanović for William Jones Cup
Making their Strong Group debuts are Matthew Wright, William Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso.
Strong Group has been drawn into a group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it aims to become the first team to win three straight William Jones Cup championships since Iran accomplished the feat from 2009 to 2011.
The tournament will be held from August 8 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.