Zamboanga is all set to play in the Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament 2026, scheduled for April 3-5 at the Waverley Basketball Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Bannered by former PBA big man Greg Slaughter, the Valientes will compete in the Premier Division of the three-day cage wars organized by Minh Dat Tram in partnership with Universal Athlete Centre Keysborough and the Australian Basketball Association Melbourne.
This marks the Valientes’ second consecutive international tour this year, following their stint at the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship last January.
“After our successful stint in Dubai, wherein we were able to beat the defending champs Beirut Lebanon, mas maraming invitations kaming natanggap, and isa na ang Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament, and of course, thanks to coach Van Halen Parmis,” said Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro.
“Siyempre nakita namin, this is an opportunity and experience. We have been competing in international tournaments for the last five years after naka-tsamba tayo na mag-champion sa Asian tournament noong 2023 with former NBA star Demarcus Cousins tinalo natin ang Macau Black Bears. 2022 din tinalo natin ang Eastern Hong Kong sa ABL with former NBA player Mario Chalmers,” he added.
In Australia, Slaughter will play alongside former NBA G-League player Malik Miller, Doug Kramer, Mike Tolomia, Peng Concepcion, Rudy Lingganay, Adam Dahingo, Eric Miraflores, Jake Afoa, Luni Lien, and Matt Johns.
Other teams in the tournament include touring squad BSBL Guardians and community teams BTO MBL All Stars and Black Rhinos.
“We will just play and give our best for our city of Zamboanga and our country,” said Navarro.
“Alam naman natin ibang level etong Asia Pacific Australia, but positive tayo, and we will try our best to win every game. We also want to give our local athletes, especially players from Zamboanga, an opportunity to showcase their skills and at the same time promote our city here in Australia,” he added.
After Australia, Navarro said the Valientes will likely participate in other overseas leagues in Indonesia, China, and Dubai. Supporting the team are former Mayor John Dalipe, Cocogen, MLV Accounting, Midas, and Kings Manpower.
