Strong Group Athletics (SGA) Philippines may have just found the right player to address their apparent lack of knockdown shooter, as Matthew Wright will be joining the team in its bid for a three-peat in the upcoming 45th William Jones Cup.
SGA announced on its official Facebook page that the former Phoenix Fuel Masters guard will be part of Charles Tiu’s squad from August 8 to 23.
The 6-foot-4 wing, who recently signed with B.League One club Saitama, returns to the Philippine basketball scene after last seeing action in December, when he helped Gilas Pilipinas capture the gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Wright played in four games for Gilas during the 2025 SEA Games, averaging 9.5 points per contest while shooting a stellar 44.4% from three-point range over the final three games of the tournament.
Charles Tiu Gets His Man
According to SGA head coach Charles Tiu, he had long been trying to recruit Wright to play for him again in the PBA. Having him suit up in the Jones Cup marks a reunion nearly a decade in the making.
“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.”
Prior to the Jones Cup, rumors circulated that Wright would return to the Fuel Masters in the PBA, only for him to sign a contract to return to Japan’s B.League instead.
“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 explained.
Shooting Addressed, But Frontcourt Might Need Work
With only a few roster spots left, SGA has now found a solution to its lack of shooting and veteran international experience.
However, the team still faces unresolved issues in the frontcourt, as its rotation currently consists of only Boban Marjanović and Ange Kouame. Although Tajuan Agee stands at 6-foot-9, his natural position is small forward.
With just days remaining before the tournament begins, Tiu and his coaching staff will need to quickly find another big man who could serve as the final piece of the puzzle.
