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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kwekuteye, Carino banner Zamboanga Valientes in ABL Invt'l

Kwekuteye, Carino banner Zamboanga Valientes in ABL Invt'l

Published Dec 31, 2022 01:22 pm

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.

Zamboanga Valientes

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.

“At the same time, this is a good opportunity for every Zamboanga player to excel,” he added.

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.

Backing up Hester, on the other hand, are fellow imports Will Deng and Ryan Smith.

The team is set to fly to Singapore on Sunday, Jan. 1, for the opening ceremony the day after before formally opening the tournament against Louvre Indonesia on Jan. 3 – making Zamboanga as the very first city to represent the country in the ABL.

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 3x3 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 3x3 in 2011, NBL Christmas HUSTLE in Canberra Australia and Champions League Basketball 3x3 Australia.

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John Amores Zamboanga Valientes ABL Invitational
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