UST stars Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao banner Zamboanga Valientes in Dubai tilt

Cabañero and Padrigao — who led the Growling Tigers to their first Final Four appearance since 2019 in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament — are expected to show the way for the Valientes in the Dubai meet slated from January 24 to February 2.

“I think mas marami pang mapapakita yung Nic and Forth duo sa UST,” Cabañero told Rappler during the Valientes’ media availability.

(I think the Nic and Forth duo still has a lot to show for UST.) 

“So this tournament is really crucial for us to improve our individual skills and improve how we approach the game as a duo,” he added.

Back in Season 87, Cabañero averaged 16 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, leading him to a spot in the Mythical Team.

Padrigao, for his part, posted 8.6 points, 3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. 

The Growling Tigers, however, fell to eventual champion UP Fighting Maroons in just one game in the Final Four after finishing the elimination round at the third spot.

“This is huge for us because this is going to be our second year together,” said Padrigao of playing with Cabañero.

“Hopefully our growth in terms of playing together develops because of this invitational,” added Padrigao, who also reunites with his grade school coach from Ateneo de Zamboanga Bobedick delos Santos.

Joining UST’s star tandem in the Valientes are former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf, 7-foot-5 import Sam Deguara, American reinforcement Adonis Thomas, and ex-PBA players Kyt Jimenez, Prince Caperal, Mike Tolomia, Rashawn McCarthy, Ken Holmqvist, and Rudy Lingganay.

Rounding up the squad owned by Junnie Navarro are homegrown talents Job Alcantara, Denver Cadiz, and Das Esa. 

Zamboanga — which ruled The Asian Tournament in 2024 — is one of two Philippine teams participating in this year’s Dubai International Basketball Championship, along with Strong Group Athletics.

Cabañero, Padrigao, and the rest of the Valientes kick off their campaign in Group B versus Sharjah SC on Saturday, January 25 at 11 pm, Manila time. – Rappler.com