The Zamboanga Valientes are set to embark on another milestone as they set to showcase the fighting spirit of the Zamboangeños in the Dubai International Basketball Championship in the United Arab Emirates on January 24, 2025.
The Valientes are expected to face tougher competition as they are grouped with Sharjah (UAE), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and the Tunisia national team.
Headlining the Asia’s Latin City’s line-up is the 7-foot-7 behemoth import from Malta, Sam Deguara, who will be manning the paint for the Valientes.
Former NBA player Adonis Thomas who had stints with the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers will also reinforce the squad while a familiar face for Filipino basketball fans in 6-foot-11 Senegalese cager Malick Diouf is also included in the roster.
Basketball fans are also anticipating the debut of crowd favorite and online sensation Kyt Jimenez for the Valientes as he tries to revive his pro career.
The former Perpetual Altas made history in the MPBL where he registered a historic quadruple double after compiling 33 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, and 11 steals before getting drafted in the PBA.
The Valientes also strengthened their frontline with the addition of 4x PBA champion Prince Caperal and 2016 SEABA Cup gold medalist Ken Holmqvist while the shifty combo-guard Rashawn McCarthy is a big boost to the team’s backcourt.
A no stranger to the international hard court scene, former national team cager Mike Tolomia, who hails from Barangay Santa Maria and veteran playmaker Rudy Lingganay of Barangay Upper Calarian will lead the pack of homegrown players of Zamboanga.
Included in the roster also are Barangay Pasonanca’s Denver Noa “Raton de Coco” Cadiz, a household name in the basketball scene in Zamboanga and “Chavacano Hero” Job Alcantara. Barangay San Jose Gusu will also be well presented in the presence of Das “Tausug Hero” Esa.
Valientes also injected some young guns as Forthsky Padrigao of Barangay Tumaga and Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu’s Nic Cabañero complete the squad.
Meanwhile, multi-titled Zamboangueño tactician Bobedick Delos Santos will serve as the head coach of the Valientes
Delos Santos steered the squad that features NBA star Demarcus Cousins to the championship in The Asian Tournament after dominating the Macau Black Bears in the finals.
