Zamboanga Valientes team owner Junnie Navvaro (middle) and players.

High hopes for Zamboanga Valientes in Dubai cagefest

After a successful stint in the Asian Tournament, the Zamboanga Valientes join Strong Group Athletics in representing the Philippines in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club in UAE.

Coach Bobedick Delos Santos believes that the team will compete well in the tournament.

“Etong line-up na nakikita ko, maganda. Palagay ko mag-compete eto ng maayos sa Dubai tournament,” said Delos Santos during the media day at the Activate Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

“Yung last tournament natin sa The Asian Tournament, nakuha natin yung champion sa Grand Finale,” he added

Delos Santos was satisfied they were able to acquire UST young guns  Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero.

“Well, I’m very fortunate and very happy, especially because Forthsky Padrigao came from my program at Ateneo de Zamboanga. We’re not just representing Zamboanga City now, but also the entire Philippines.,”

“And secondly, si Nic Cabanero, when I saw Nic sa line-up, sabi ko, yung past two days sa practice, nakikita ko how good he is. Yung attacking the basket, malakas ang katawan. Very nice addition sa team natin,”

Delos Santos also believes that they have a chance to surprise the Filipino fans.

“Well, yung line-up talaga ng Strong Group. Yung kabilang  Philippine team na kasama dito. Super lakas sa nakikita ko, very strong. Tayo naman, kaya din natin gulatin yung the whole fans not only in Dubai, maybe the whole world. We can win also,”

“Basta importante. We will enjoy the game. And we will show the Filipino fans doon kung anong meron ang Zamboanga Valientes”

Team owner Junnie Navarro said they are preparing thoroughly for the tournament.

“Actually, we are really preparing hard for this tournament. Medyo short notice lang nga kasi December lang tayo, nasabihan na mag-paparticipate tayo,” said Navarro

“But, parati naman natin na prove na we can, na pwede tayo lumaban and manalo. But, hopefully, this time, kasi sobrang taas ang level of basketball sa Dubai, slowly  but surely siguro kaya natin mag-compete. Pero, hindi lang natin masabi kasi hindi pa talaga. This is the first time na maglalaro tayo doon,” Navarro added

Asked about aspiring for the title after winning the Asian Tournament, Navarro said: “We’re hoping and praying. We’re really trying to give our best.”

Former NBA player Adonis Thomas, one of the reinforcements for the Valientes, said: “I just want to play with as much experience as possible. Help a lot of these young guys but also be aggressive. There’s a lot of talented, unselfish guys here. They’re going to allow me to play my game. It’s going to be on me to make the best of the opportunity,”

“Yes, I heard about them.  It’s going to be exciting to compete with them. It’s also great to have another Filipino team representing the country. Those guys are great players. Obviously, a lot of NBA experience on that team. We just want to come out and compete with those guys and also represent the Filipino country,” Thomas added when asked about the DeMarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson of SGA.

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