After a winless debut last year, the Zamboanga Valientes are back — and they’re not coming to make up the numbers.
The MLV-backed squad is loading up for a high-stakes redemption campaign at the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship, set to tip off on January 24.
Former PBA Best Player of the Conference Greg Slaughter is bullish on the Valientes’ prospects, even if preparations have been rushed.
“I like the composition of our team. We are big, and we have some of the best guards out there,” he said.
The Valientes’ starting five reads like a who’s who of Philippine and international basketball: Slaughter, 2013 NBA top pick Anthony Bennett, ex-PBA stars Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, and former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf.
If height is a concern, the Valientes have it in spades.
The Junnie Navarro-formed roster features Slaughter at 7-foot, Diouf at 6-foot-11, Bennett at 6-foot-8, and the return of 7-foot-5 import Sam Deguara.
“The competition in the Middle East is tough, but with the experience and size of our players, I think we have a very good chance,” Slaughter added.
The team also carries a hunger for redemption. Many of its players are fighting to reclaim spots in professional leagues.
“Most of the guys out there are still fighting for slots in different leagues like the PBA. Expect them to give it their all,” Slaughter said.
Among them are former PBA players Mike Tolomia and Nick Demusis, former 3×3 standout Dennis Santos, and homegrown talents Forthsky Padrigao and high-flying Bryan Manuel.
The Valientes are set to fly to Dubai this Thursday for acclimatization before opening their single-round group-stage schedule in Group B against Al Ahli Tripoli-Libya, Club Africain, Alkarama Sport Club, and Sports Club Beirut. Group A will feature the UAE National Team, Al Nasr Club, Homs al Fida, Al Ittihad Libya, and Al Wahda.
“No pressure on the team, but we want to take it one step at a time,” said Navarro, who partners with Australia-based Filipino businessman Mike Venezuela.
“We have high hopes for the Valientes to show the resilience Filipinos are known for.”
Navarro also stressed the bigger mission: showcasing Zamboangueno talent on the world stage.
“Our goal is to expose more Filipino athletes, especially from Zamboanga, to the world. We have so many athletes who have brought honor to the country, like Hidilyn Diaz, Eumir Felix Marcial, and Jonas Sultan,” Navarro said during the Zamboanga Valientes Gala Night last week.
