The Zamboanga Valientes are gearing up for two international tournaments this year following a successful campaign in the inaugural edition of The Asian Tournament.

The management has yet to announce the specifics, but for now, the team are already in the early stages of preparations for these tournaments.

“Our performance in The Asian Tournament showcased the talent and determination of Zamboangueños,” said Valientes owner Junnie Navarro.

“I believe we are more than ready to take on more international tournaments in the coming year, and we are excited to share those plans with you all very soon,” he added.

Zamboanga almost made an early exit in The Asian Tournament, but managed to turn things around thanks to DeMarcus Cousins. The four-time NBA All-Star anchored the crew to an 81-65 annihilation of the Macau Black Bears last August.

Though Cousins missed some of their few games, it didn’t affect the Valientes on putting up a stellar fight, sweeping its final leg off a 5-0 slate, beating the likes of Naic Aces and Vanta Black Dragons.

Zamboangueños Rudy Lingganay and Mike Tolomia, both former PBA players, also played pivotal roles in the Valientes’ successful run, along with key reserves Denver Cadiz, Job Alcantara, and former UAAP champion Malick Diouf.

Apart from The Asian Tournament, they won the Hong Kong Sketch World Cup early last year.
Meanwhile, homegrown star Peter Alfaro also made a significant impact with the Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament, using his performance as a springboard to the PBA. Terrafirma selected Alfaro in the third round and was later picked up by Magnolia.