The Zamboanga Valientes MLV have been the lovable underdogs during the 2019 season of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3.
Despite struggling against the top dogs of the league, the franchise — founded by Junnie Navarro — continue to enter each conference with undeniable smiles and determination.
Last season, the Valientes’ best finish was a fourth place finish in the first leg of the Magiting Cup. Still, Navarro kept pushing, even putting up a team in the FIBA 3X3 Manila Challenger.
But in the 2020 season, it seems that the Valientes — the only team that can say that it has been in every conference of the league — is turning over a new leaf.
Leading the squad is 10-year pro Rudy Lingganay.
“Sobrang blessed namin na naglalaro sa amin si Kuya Rudy,” said Gino Jumao-as, who has been the mainstay of the Valientes.
“Siya ang floor general namin ‘yan tsaka beterano na masyado, kaya ‘di kami masyadong nahihirapan sa loob ng court.”
“Iba ‘yung feeling na makalaro ng 3×3,” quipped the 34-year-old Lingganay. “Nung una nahihirapan ako kasi nasanay ako sa five on five. Tapos ‘yung bola iba din eh. Buti naka-adjust ako.”
Besides the leadership, Lingganay also brought swagger to the Valientes, which also has RR De Leon and Med Salim.
Facing a veteran-laden Sarangani squad, the Valientes kept toe-to-toe with the Marlins with Lingganay leading the way with seven markers. But it was Jumao-as’ cold-blooded deuce with 56 seconds left that completed the upset.
“Nag-focus lang ako sa mga weakness ko sa laro. At mindset ko lang lagi na dapat mag-improve araw-araw sa basketball,” Jumao-as bared about his off-season.
Though bowing to crosstown rivals Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City to close out the pool stages, it did not deter the Valientes. They later booted out erstwhile-unbeaten Palayan City in a thriller, 21-20.
Against another highly-touted team in Uling Roasters-Butuan City in the semis, Zamboanga Peninsula put up a fight. However, it was not enough, as it bowed 16-21.
Still, Navarro felt immensely proud of the stand his squad made.
“I am very proud of my fellow Zamboangueno players kasi pinakita niya ang puso at pride ng taga-Zamboanga,” he said.
“Win or lose ay panalo pa rin sila sa puso ng mga taga-Zamboanga City kasi pinakita nila na kaya pala nila lumaban at manalo.”
The rush of being the only all-homegrown team is still in the veins of the Valientes. And they can’t wait to carry the momentum heading into Leg Two on Friday.
“Iba ‘yung feeling na Zamboangueños lahat ng kasama mo. Kayo ‘yung tinitignan ng mga tao, pati mga bata, sa Zamboanga. Gaganahan ka talaga,” expressed Lingganay.
