FROM The Asian Tournament (TAT) to Dubai.
The Zamboanga Valientes are taking their act to the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship later this month, making them the second Philippine entry to the annual meet along with Strong Group Athletics (SGA).
The team owned by former player Junnie Navarro made the official announcement through social media on Saturday, where it likewise hinted at having guard Kyt Jimenez play for the team in the Jan. 24 to Feb. 2 tournament.
READ: Kyt Jimenez risks forfeiting SMB contract as Valientes call
Several photos have also been circulating on social media showing Jimenez and Navarro together holding a Valientes jersey.
Zamboanga last saw action in TAT grand finals which it won by beating the Macau Black Bears in the title game, 81-65, behind former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins.
Curiously, Cousins will be suiting up for SGA in Dubai, as already announced by the team.
READ: DeMarcus Cousins to man the middle for SGA in Dubai tourney
The Valientes, for their part, have yet to name their prospective imports for the tourney, although their core may include Zamboanga natives Mike Tolomia, Rudy Lingganay, Denver Cadiz, Job Alcantara, and, possibly, University of Santo Tomas lead guard Forthsky Padrigao, as well as former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf.
The team has likewise been known for tapping the services of past NBA players to reinforce the ball club in the persons of Mario Chalmers during the ASEAN Basketball League Invitationals then Cousins in TAT.
Initially, the Valientes were in negotiations to have eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard to backstop them in TAT. Unfortunately, both parties failed to reach an agreement at the last minute, paving the way for Cousins' entry.
The Dubai meet is just one of several international tournaments Zamboanga is eyeing to join in 2025 in the aftermath of their success in TAT.
“Our performance in The Asian Tournament showcased the talent and determination of Zamboangueños. I believe we are more than ready to take on more international tournaments in the coming year, and we are excited to share those plans with you all very soon,” said Navarro, who is also eyeing a council seat in his native Zamboanga.
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