Zamboanga Valientes target Dubai International Championship semis

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The Zamboanga Valientes are one of two Philippine teams looking to make a splash in the Dubai International Basketball Championship

MANILA, Philippines – Reaching the semifinal round of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship is the Zamboanga Valientes’ main goal. Clinching the crown would be a big bonus.

“The field is very strong. We’ll be aiming for the semifinal slots in our group first,” team owner Junnie Navarro told Rappler.

The Valientes left the country on Thursday, January 23, in time for the tournament opening on Friday, January 24, at the Al-Nasr Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Adonis Thomas, a 6-foot-7 former NBA player with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic who also had stints in leagues in Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Slovenia, Poland, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Mexico, will spearhead Zamboanga.

Navarro, however, believes it is Sam Deguara, a 7-foot-6 Maltese player, who’ll be the big difference for the Valientes, seeking a follow-up to their triumphant campaign in The Asia Tournament at home in August.

“He (Deguara) will be difficult to stop,” said Navarro, a former national youth player, noting that even Dwight Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star, was unable to neutralize Italy’s and Malta’s tallest man.

Also expected to deliver for Zamboanga Valientes are 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf, a former UAAP MVP with the UP Maroons, former PBA player Rashawn McCarthy, MBPL Mr. Quadruple-Double Kyt Jimenez, and UST stars Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabanero.

Backing up Deguara and Diouf in the paint are 6-foot-8 Ken Holmqvist and 6-foot-7 Prince Caperal.

Completing the Valientes roster are homegrown icons Mike Tolomia, Rudy Lingganay, Das Esa, Job Alcantara, and Denver Cadiz.

Zamboanga has been bracketed in Group B with Sagesse SC, Al Ahli Tripoli, the Tunisia national team, and Sharjah SC.

Another Philippine team, Strong Group Athletics, is in Group A with Beirut First, Amman United, Al-Nasr, and the UAE national team.

Zamboanga starts its campaign against Sharjah at 11 pm on Saturday. – Rappler.com