Valientes making Zamboangueños proud
THE Zamboanga Valientes MLV have proven themselves capable of competing in the 3x3 Chooks-to- Go Pilipinas after making the semifinal round of the first leg on Wednesday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
The Valientes—the only full homegrown team in the inaugural 3x3 professional league—are hoping to improve on their semifinals finish in the second leg on Friday. But nonetheless, they made the entire Zamboanga basketball community proud and dedicated their achievement to their fellow Zamboangueños
Owned by philanthropist and businesswoman Cory Navarro and Mike Venezuela, the team is composed of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) guard Rudy Lingganay, Gino Jumao-as, Med Salim, Arar de Leon and Jonjon Rebollos.
They beat Saranggani, 21-19, in the elimination before defeating Palayan Capitals, 21-20, further in the leg.
Navarro’s son Junnie said the team was established 14 years ago to give homegrown players a chance to shine.
“This is a good news for the homegrown players of Zamboanga City because this is the team that gives opportunities to Zamboangueños,” Navarro said.
“There are several Filipino-americans and EX-PBA players who like to play for us, but management decided to stick for the homegrown players, that’s why all the fans in Zamboanga City are very proud of this team,” coach Joseph Romarate said.
Zamboanga lost to Butuan City, 1621, in the semifinals.