THE Zamboanga Valientes were already a big hit even before they could play their first game in the 35th Dubai International Basketball Championship on Sunday.
A horde of Overseas Filipino Workers mobbed the lone Philippine representative during a simple meet and greet at the DSF Night Market a day following its arrival in the city of United Arab Emirates.
The most popular player among the Valientes was former three-time PBA scoring champion Terrence Romeo, who is suiting up for the MLV Group-backed ballclub owned by Zamboanga City councilor Junnie Navarro for the first time.
READ: Manuel pumped to team up anew with Romeo, Slaughter
Romeo last played for Terrafirma during the PBA Season 49.
Also attracting fans are former PBA players Greg Slaughter, Vic Manuel, Barkley Ebona, and Nick Demusis, along with imports Malik Diouf, former NBA top draft pick Anthony Bennett, and the towering Sam Deguara, who is a hit among fans owing to his 7-foot-6 height.
The Valientes kick off their business midnight of Sunday when they tangle with Club Africain Tunisia, runner-up to Beirut First in last year’s edition of the annual tournament.
Aside from Club Africain Tunisia, Zamboanga is also bracketed with Sports Club Beirut (Lebanon), Al Karamah (Syria), and Al-Ahly Tripoli (Libya) in Group B.
After Tunisia, the Valientes will face Syria on Monday, Libya on Wednesday, and finally Lebanon on Thursday.
Comprising Group A are Al-Ittihad (Libya), the Uniter Arab Emirates team, Al Wahda (Syria), Homs Al Fidaa (Syria), and Al Nasr Club (UAE).
The top two teams in each group will advance in the crossover semifinals.
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