Slaughter-led Zamboanga Valientes to strut stuff in Asia Pacific Australia cagefest

Bannered by former PBA big man Greg Slaughter (1st from left), the Valientes will see action in the Premier Division of the three-day cage tourney.

Zamboanga Valientes

MANILA, Philippines — The Zamboanga Valientes are all set and ready to carry the Philippine flag in the Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament 2026 slated from April 3-5 at the Waverley Basketball Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Bannered by former PBA big man Greg Slaughter, the Valientes will see action in the Premier Division of the three-day cage tourney organized by Minh Dat Tram in partnership with Universal Athlete Centre Keysborough (UACK) and Australian Basketball Association (ABA) Melbourne.

It's the second straight tour of duty for the Valientes on foreign shores this year after the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship last January.

“After our successful stint in Dubai wherein we were able to beat the defending champs Beirut Lebanon, mas maraming invitations kaming natanggap and isa na ang Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament and of course, thanks to coach Van Halen Parmis," said Valientes team owner Rolando "Junnie" Navarro Jr.

"Siyempre nakita namin this is an opportunity and experience. We have been competing in international tournaments for the last five years after naka-tsamba tayo na mag-champion sa Asian tournament noong 2023 with former NBA star Demarcus Cousins tinalo natin ang Macau Black Bears. 2022 din tinalo natin ang Eastern Hong Kong sa ABL with former NBA player Mario Chalmers," added Navarro.

In the Land Down Under, Slaughter will be playing alongside former NBA G-League player Malik Miller, Doug Kramer, Cris Tolomia, Peng Concepcion, R Lingganay, Adam Dahingo, Eric Miraflores, Jake Afoa, Luni Lien and Matt Johns.

They will be up against NBL-Australia teams, including the BSBL Guardians (Brisbane), BTO MBL All Stars and Black Rhinos.

“We will just play and give our best for our city of Zamboanga and our country Philippines,"said Navarro. "Alam naman natin ibang level etong Asia Pacific Australia but positive tayo and we will try our best to win every game. We also want to give our local athletes, especially players from Zamboanga, an opportunity to showcase their skills and at the same time promote our city here in Australia," he added.

After Australia, Navarro said they will most likely play in other overseas leagues in Indonesia, China, and Dubai. Also supporting Valientes former Mayor John Dalipe, Cocogen, MLV accounting, Midas and Kings Manpower. (Pool story)