THE Zamboanga Valientes left for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship with high hopes of being competitive in their first foray in the yearly tournament.
While the team fell short of bringing back former NBA player Mario Chalmers for another tour of duty, owner Junnie Navarro believes the signing of giant import Sam Deguara and gunner Adonis Thomas filled in whatever weaknesses the team may have.
"We're looking for a dominant big which I think Sam Deguara can provide us," said Navarro hours before the Valientes left Manila.
PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
Veteran big man Prince Caperal added the 7-foot-6 center from Malta maybe slow, but is actually an immovable force in the middle.
"Because of his size kaya mabagal siya, pero ang hirap itulak kapag nasa loob na siya," said the former PBA Most Improved Player from Barangay Ginebra.
Deguara, Caperal, former UAAP MVP Malik Diouf, along with Ginebra’s ex-first round pick Ken Holmqvist form the towering frontcourt for Valientes.
Navarro said the Valientes also tried to reconnect with the 38-year-old Chalmers, the two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat who once suited up for Zamboanga in the ASEAN Basketball League two years ago.
But the short time negotiating a contract and his possible availability for the tournament led the Valientes to look for other options.
Enter the 31-year-old Thomas, the former NBA player who had stints with Orlando and Philadelpia, who currently plays as one of the imports of the Macau Black Bears in the EASL.
Thomas and Deguara are teammates with the Black Bears.
"He’s a streak shooter and wingman talaga which is another solid player that we lack at his position," said Navarro.
Completing the Valientes are Kyt Jimenez, Nic Cabanero, Rashawn McCarthy, and Zamboanguenos Rudy Lingganay, Job Alcantara, Denver Cadiz, Das Esa, Forthsky Padriago, and Mike Tolomia.
Head coach is Bobedick Delos Santos.
2025-01-23T14:14:09Z