Beefed-up Zamboanga Valientes seek redemption in Dubai tournament

MANILA, Philippines – The MLV Group-Zamboanga Valientes seek redemption when they represent the Philippines in the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship.

After going winless in the 2025 edition, the Valientes have beefed up their roster that is ready to wage war against the top squads from the Middle East and North Africa by bringing in a former NBA top pick and former Gilas Pilipinas players.

Anthony Bennett, the first Canadian to be drafted first overall in the NBA, banners the squad together with former national team standouts Terrence Romeo, Greg Slaughter, and Vic Manuel, and former PBA players Nick Demusis and Barkley Eboña.

Back in the Valientes’ fold are 7-foot-6 Maltese-Italian Samuel Deguarda, former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf, and Zamboanga icons Rudy Lingganay, Mike Tolomia, and Forthsky Padrigao.

Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro is pleased with what coach RJ Argamino has assembled and is confident the Valientes will fare better this time.

“If we can go all the way to the championship, why not?” Navarro said after the Valientes’ final workout on Wednesday, January 21. They leave for Dubai on Thursday, January 22.

The 6-foot-8 Bennett, who had NBA stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets, said they “will go day by day, step by step, practice by practice in Dubai,” noting that the team’s chemistry is going better.

Romeo, a former UAAP MVP and a three-time PBA scoring champion, said he will bank on his international experience to help the Valientes in the weeklong event.

Deguara and Vic Manuel missed the practice session, but will join the team’s flight to Dubai. – Rappler.com