Boban Marjanovic already feeling at home after first few days in Philippines

Boban Marjanovic is already feeling right at home after just a few days in the Philippines.

During Strong Group Pilipinas’ media day in Mandaluyong on Friday, the Serbian big man talked about the warm welcome he has received in his first trip to the Philippines as he prepares for the 2026 William Jones Cup.

"I love it so far. I'm enjoying my first time in Philippines except the rain, too much rain. But everything else: food, people, place, basketball, my teammates, everybody, I really enjoy," Marjanovic said.

The 7-foot-4 center will bring his size and experience as the squad seeks a third straight Jones Cup title.

Marjanovic is also ready to embrace whatever role head coach Charles Tiu gives him.

"What coach says, whatever kind of role, I will take it. Coach is the main guy here and you know, it's every team, not just here. We need to be a team. What coach has in mind, we're supposed to get done. Sometimes, it's really not easy, but we are team and we're supposed to handle this together."

At 37, Marjanovic has already accomplished plenty in his professional career, previously playing in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.

For this stint, however, he has three simple objectives.

"Of course, we came here to win the tournament, that's the first goal. Second is to have fun, and of course third is to meet friends. That's like three goals. For sure they have so many, but this is like the main three."

The 2026 William Jones Cup will be held from August 13 to 23 in New Taipei City.

—JKC, GMA News