Zamboanga Valientes during an open workout ahead of the 2025 Dubai International Basketball Tournament. –HANDOUT PHOTO/WENDELL ALINEA
MANILA, Philippines—Zamboanga Valientes joins Strong Group Athletics as the Philippines’ representatives in the 2025 Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
Part of the second Filipino team in the Dubai tournament that kicks off this Friday is the guard duo from University of Santo Tomas in Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero.
Article continues after this advertisement
READ: DeMarcus Cousins to play for Zamboanga Valientes
The Valientes will enjoy the services of Cabañero, who was one of the scoring leaders for UAAP Season 87 with 16 points per game, and Padrigao, who played floor general for the Growling Tigers with 8.67 points and 5.87 assists per outing.
Former San Miguel Beer bench piece Kyt Jimenez will also join the Zamboanga pack for the Middle Eastern tourney as the Valientes tries to bring home the gold medal for the Philippines.
Article continues after this advertisement
University of the Philippines product Malick Diouf, a big man with a UAAP Finals MVP plum under his belt, will also be in the star-studded lineup.
READ: Malick Diouf gets career reboot in China
Valientes, much like SGA, also have some foreign reinforcements on board.
Most notably, former Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers swingman Adonis Thomas will boost Zamboanga as a 6-foot-6 shot in the arm.
Ken Holmqvist, a TNT wingman waiting for activation in the PBA, also will get his hand in pushing Valientes to a gold medal bid.
Arguably the biggest—literally—star attraction for Valientes in the upcoming Dubai games is Samuel Deguara, a former key cog for the Taiwan Mustangs, a team that Gilas Pilipinas faced in a warm-up game just last year. Deguara stands at a whopping 7-foot-5 frame.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
