THE MLV-Zamboanga Valientes will be a tough nut to crack in the coming 2026 Dubai International Basketball Invitationals beginning on January 24.
Former Barangay Ginebra slotman Greg Slaughter revealed that what the team lacks in preparation, the Valientes more than make up for with an impressive blend of size, athleticism, youth and experience.
“I like the composition of our team. We are big and then we have some of the best guards out there,” Slaughter said of the team that also boasts 2013 NBA no. 1 pick Anthony Bennett, former PBA stars Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, and ex-UP center and Gilas Pilipinas naturalization candidate Malik Diouf.
READ Slaughter excited to play with Manuel, Terrence at Valientes
The Valientes are not lacking in height as the Junnie Navarro-formed squad is teeming with big men, anchored by 7-foot Slaughter, 6-foot-11 Diouf and 6-8 Bennett, not to mention the returning 7-5 import Sam Deguara.
“The competition in the Middle East is tough but owing to the experience of the players in this team, and our size, I think we have a very good chance,” he said.
Slaughter also shared that most of its players have chips on their shoulders since they have something to prove and some careers to revive.
“That’s what I like about this team, most of the guys out there are still fighting for slots in different leagues like the PBA. So, expect them to give it their all,” he said.
Other players in the Valientes side in such a predicament are Mike Tolomia, Nick Demusis and big man Dennis Santos. Forthsky Padrigao and Zamboanga Sibugay high leaper Bryan Manuel round out the lineup.
The Valientes are scheduled to fly to Dubai on Thursday so as to have a few days of acclimatization and adjustment to the time zone.
Slotted in Group B, the Valientes will play Al Ahli Tripoli-Libya, Club Africain, Alkarama Sport Club and Sports Club Beirut in the single-round group stage.
Group A will have the UAE national team, Al Nasr Club, Homs al Fida, Al Ittihad Libya and Al Wahda.
“No pressure on the team, but I hope we get to reach our goals one by one. We have high regard for this team and I am sure the Valientes can show the resilience that Filipinos are known for,” said Navarro, who has partnered with Australia-based Filipino businessman Mike Venezuela.
“Our goal here is to expose more Filipinos, especially Zamboanguenos to the world stage. As you know, we have so many athletes from our city who have brough honor to the country in sports,” said Navarro, citing Hidilyn Diaz, Eumir Felix Marcial, Jonas Sultan who were all feted during the Zamboanga Valientes Gala Night last week.
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