FOR Strong Group Athletics, the 2026 William Jones Cup in Taiwan is all about defending Philippine pride.
But for Remy Martin and DJ Fenner, the stakes run far deeper.
Every single possession in New Taipei City serves as a high-pressure audition as Martin sets out to prove that he deserves a Gilas Pilipinas roster spot and Fenner moves to improve his draft stock in the PBA.
READ Boban, Martin finally show up as SGA makes it back-to-back wins
For years, the prospect of Martin donning the Gilas jersey has tantalized Filipino basketball fans. The former member of the US NCAA national champions Kansas Jayhawks possesses the playmaking and swagger that could easily supercharge the national backcourt.
Yet, pedigree alone does not guarantee a Gilas call-up.
To earn the trust of both national team selectors and a demanding fanbase, Martin must prove he can consistently make his mark in the fast-paced rhythm of Asian basketball.
His Jones Cup campaign started on a shaky note. Martin was held to a paltry three points in SGA’s brutal 110-79 opening-day loss to South Korea. This was immediately followed by a scoreless outing in a gritty 78-72 win over Japan.
Fortunately for SGA, the slump did not last.
Against host Chinese Taipei Blue, Martin reminded everyone why he remains a premier talent. He put up 13 points and orchestrated the offense with a game-high seven assists to preside over a statement 97-78 blowout.
For Martin, sustaining that elite level of floor generalship is non-negotiable if he wants to catch coach Tim Cone's attention.
While Martin aspires for a national team spot, 6-foot-6 Fil-Am wing DJ Fenner is quietly making himself impossible to ignore among PBA scouts.
Equipped with elite length, lateral quickness, and steady perimeter shooting, Fenner has emerged as a crucial two-way anchor for SGA.
His breakout performance against Chinese Taipei Blue showcased the exact versatility modern PBA franchises crave. He dropped a stat-sheet-stuffing 15 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
For a player transitioning toward the pro ranks, proving he can lock down opposing wings and knock down open looks against elite international competition has sent his draft stock soaring.
But the grueling Jones Cup campaign is far from over.
SGA will look to assert their dominance against Japan once again this Tuesday. Immediately after, they will seek ultimate payback against their opening-day tormentors, DB Promy of South Korea, in a high-stakes Wednesday showdown.
“That South Korea game will be very crucial, but of course, we treat every game with equal importance,” Tiu said. “So, I hope our boys sustain this momentum and familiarize themselves with the system and towards each other ASAP.”
The young mentor knows exactly what is on the line.
“A lot of things are at stake here," Tiu added. "The three-peat bid and their corresponding careers.”
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