The MLV-Zamboanga Valientes will be a tough nut to crack in the upcoming 2026 Dubai International Basketball Invitationals, which is set to kick off this Saturday, January 24.
Former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings star slotman Greg Slaughter reveals that though the team lack the proper preparation, the composition of their roster will be very competitive.
“I like the composition of our team. We are big, and then we have some of the best guards out there,” he said of the team with a first five that includes Slaughter, 2013 NBA top pick Anthony Bennett and former PBA stars Terrence Romeo, Vic Manuel and ex-UP center Malik Diouf.
If height is the question, the Valientes will definitely have an answer as the Junnie Navarro-formed squad is teeming with big men, anchored by 7-0 Slaughter, 6-11 Diouf and 6-8 Bennett, not to mention the return of 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 the Valientes could be considered a mercenary as most of its players have something to prove and some careers to redeem.
“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 Valientes side, who suddenly lost a spot in the PBA but are still capable of playing in the big league are Mike Tolomia, Nick Demusis and big man Dennis Santos.
Aside from the former PBA stars, also in the team are future PBA rookie prospects Forthsky Padrigao and Zamboanga Sibugay high leaper Bryan Manuel.
The Valientes are scheduled to fly to Dubai for them to have a few days of acclimatization and adjustment to the time zone.
Pitted in group B, the Valientes will play groupmates Al Ahli Tripoli-Libya, Club Africain, Alkarama Sport Club, and Sports Club Beirut in the single round elimination.
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 goal one-by-one. We have high regards for this team, and I am sure the Valientes can show the resilience known to Filipinos,” 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 the exciting world of sports,” said Navarro while rattling off the names of Hidilyn Diaz, Eumir Felix Marcial, Jonas Sultan, who were all feted during the Zamboanga Valientes Gala Night last week.