Boban Marjanovic is not concerned about what role awaits him with Strong Group Athletics in the upcoming Jones Cup.
Whatever the team needs from the towering Serbian center, he is ready to deliver.
“What coach (Charles Tiu) says, if this is what kind of role, I’ll take it. We need to be a team. What the coach has on his mind, we’re supposed to get done,” said the 7-foot-4 slotman, showcasing the consummate professionalism that helped him carve out a nine-year NBA career.
“Sometimes it’s really not easy, but we’re a team, and we’re supposed to handle this together. Nothing easy in this sport. Nothing easy to win something. Nothing easy to compare. Nothing easy to go every night and play the best you can.”
The 37-year-old Marjanovic is expected to anchor SGA’s frontcourt as the squad guns for a third straight Jones Cup title, with the veteran big man set to be backed by Malick Diouf and Allen Liwag in the paint.
Less than a week into practicing together, Marjanovic has already been impressed by what he has seen from his Strong Group Athletics teammates, praising the talent and work ethic within the squad.
(C) SGA
“You know, to be honest, they impressed me, everybody. Because basketball is something when they’re circling around. It’s not more like bad players. It’s just like players who want to work but don’t want to work. It’s like all over the world, it’s so worldwide,” said the Serbian national team veteran.
“Basketball has become a global sport, and you cannot underestimate nobody. It’s just a sport like that, and I’m so happy with all my teammates.”
With his teammates already making a strong impression, Marjanovic now has his sights set on the main objective—helping SGA secure a third straight Jones Cup championship while, true to his fun-loving personality, making sure to enjoy the experience along the way.
“Of course, we come here to win tournaments. That’s the first goal. And of course, second, to have fun. And of course, third, to meet friends. That’s like three goals that I have right now. For sure, they have so many, but these are the main three ones,” said Marjanovic.
Away from basketball, Marjanovic has quickly found another reason to enjoy his first trip to the Philippines.
“I love it. So far, I’m enjoying. First time in the Philippines and I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “It’s great. Too much rain, but everything else—food, people, place, basketball, my teammates, everybody—I really enjoy it,” he said.
Marjanovic said the reception from Filipino fans has been difficult to miss, whether he is on the court or simply going about his day.
“I get a lot of messages, I get a lot of love, outside — not just on the court, outside like on the street, in the mall. Almost everybody knows my name. Really big love from me, and for all this respect. That means I do a great job on and off the court, and I really respect them. A lot of love for them.”
