The Zamboanga Valientes have formed a formidable crew as they wage war against some of the best teams in the region in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) Invitational 2023 which is set to fire off on Jan. 2 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
The Zamboanga Valientes have formed a formidable crew as they wage war against some of the best teams in the region in the Asean Basketball League Invitational 2023 which is set to fire off on Jan. 2 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.Bannering the Philippine representatives are former San Beda star James Kwekuteye along with former Gilas Pilipinas standout Kemark Carino and former Terrafirma Dyip import Antonio Hester.
Also in the crew are ex-PBA pros JR Cawaling and Rudy Lingganay, and embattled JRU forward John Amores who, after an unceremonious exit from the collegiate ranks, will have another shot at proving his worth with the Valientes in the ABL. “Amores will be part of our team in the ABL in Singapore leg. This is a chance for redemption and we are hoping Amores will give his best,” Zamboanga team owner Junnie Navarro said, who is also thankful for the support of Mayor John Dalipe.Looking to take their share of the spotlight are the Valientes’ very own homegrown talent led by former UE guard Gino Jumao-as, Jeff Bernardo, Das Esa, Jojo Belorio and 5’4” cat-quick guard Denver Cadiz from Zamboanga City.
Founded in 2006 by late Lando Navarro and currently owned by his wife, Cory, the Valientes look to continue their winning tradition in the ABL, having won numerous titles in local and international tournaments both on the 5v5 and 3×3 play. Valientes is also co-owned by Mike Venezuela of MLV Accounting.
They started in the NBC Preseason, MVBA Christmas Cup and Liga Pilipinas in 2008 and won NBA Philippines 3×3 in 2011, NBL Christmas HUSTLE in Canberra Australia and Champions League Basketball 3×3 Australia.