NBA champion Mario Chalmers and ABL titlist Renaldo Balkman are set to bring their talents to the VisMin Cup Invitational Championship as they join forces with the Zamboanga Valientes anew.
Fans in Zamboanga City are eagerly anticipating the arrival of these two high-profile imports, who will undoubtedly add excitement and talent to the tournament.
Commissioner Cris Bautista confirmed the news, making it official that Chalmers and Balkman will be representing the Valientes in this exciting four-team invitational championship.
Chalmers, a former Miami Heat player who won two NBA titles, is no stranger to the Philippine basketball scene, having recently played in the ASEAN Basketball League Invitational tournament alongside Balkman.
The Valientes just wrapped up their campaign in the ABL, missing out on the opportunity to play in the playoffs after losing to the Singapore Slingers.
With Chalmers and Balkman joining their ranks, however, they are poised to make a serious run for the championship.
Balkman, who previously played for Petron Blaze Boosters/ San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to the Valientes.
He won a championship with Alab Pilipinas in the ABL five years ago and was named Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the Mighty Sports team to victory in the William Jones Cup four years ago.
Zamboanga, known for producing great PBA players such as Sonny Thoss and Mark Barroca, will have the opportunity to see Chalmers and Balkman in action. The five-day tournament will feature games between the Valientes, Cagayan de Oro Stampede, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Misamis Oriental Nobles Seafood & Grill.
The recent season of VisMin Cup highlighted imports who played at the collegiate level, but with the addition of Chalmers and Balkman, the Valientes are looking to make a statement and take home the championship.
While they fell short in the Final Four last season, this year’s team has their sights set on bringing home the trophy.
Fans in Zamboanga City and basketball enthusiasts across the country are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament, ready to witness the talents of these two celebrated imports.
