ZAMBOANGA OPENS BID VS CHINESE TEAM

THE Zamboanga Valientes will kick off their 2024 Asian Tournament campaign against Chinese team Ningo Bulls today, April 19, in Guangdong, China.

Leading the Zamboanga-based squad are former collegiate stars Malick Diouf of the University of the Philippines, Mike Tolomia of Far Eastern University and Peter Alfaro of San Beda University.

Team owner Junnie Navarro said that former NBA player Dwight Howard will also be included in the roster in June.

"Actually until now it is still under negotiation, but we are hoping we can sign him. The chances of acquiring him are around 70 percent and according to the one who is making the deal, Dwight is fine with it. Hopefully, we can have him last week of June," Navarro said.

Navarro also said that Zamboanga aims to make it to the top 4 since the team will be hosting the last leg of the tournament.

"We are trying our best to make it to the top four, that is our target. Last year we finished fifth place, it is an almost story for us since we were able to beat a championship team. But now, we will try to make it to the top four first," he said.

The Valientes will also face top Asian clubs Hong Kong Jambo, Taiwan Mustangs, East Sea Pirates, Vantablack Dragons, Borneo Kings and Macau Black Bears in the tournament.

Zamboanga, meanwhile, tapped former Rain or Shine import Nick Evans, and Franky Johnson of Meralco Bolts to bolster the team.

Also included in the roster are Rudy Lingganay, AJ Benson, Das Esa, Joewish Gracia, Job Alcantara, Med Salim and Jerome Ferrer.

Bobedick de los Santos will call the shots for the Valientes.

2024-04-19T02:50:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd