# Zamboanga Valientes

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Basketball team in Zamboanga City, Philippines

Zamboanga Valientes League MVBA (2006–2008) NBC (2006–2008) Liga Pilipinas (2008–2011) NBL–Pilipinas (2018–2021) MPBL (2018) Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 (2019–2022) Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup (2021–2023) PBA 3x3 (2021–2022) ABL (2023) The Asian Tournament (2024–present) Founded 2006 History Zamboanga Latinos (2006–2008) Zamboanga Amores (2008–2010) Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines Valientes (2018) Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV (2020–present) Location Zamboanga City, Philippines Team colors Red, Dark Violet, White, Black Head coach Bobedick delos Santos Home Away Third

The **Zamboanga Valientes**, also known as the **Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV**, are a Filipino professional [basketball](/source/Basketball) team based in the [Zamboanga Peninsula](/source/Zamboanga_Peninsula). The team has competed in numerous leagues since its founding in 2006.

The team first competed as the **Zamboanga Latinos** when it was part of both the Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) and [National Basketball Conference](/source/National_Basketball_Conference) (NBC). Following the merge of the both leagues into [Liga Pilipinas](/source/Liga_Pilipinas) in 2008, the team was renamed to **Zamboanga Amores** and competed until 2010.

Eight years later, the team was revived in 2018 as part of the [Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League](/source/Maharlika_Pilipinas_Basketball_League)'s (MPBL) national expansion under its current moniker. However, undisclosed management issues led to [the MPBL department](/source/Zamboanga_Sikat) splitting in 2019. Since the split, the Valientes have continued to compete in a variety of leagues and have also fielded a [3x3](/source/3x3_basketball) team.

## History

### Early history

The Zamboanga Valientes was established in 2006 by Lando Navarro as a means to give a platform for Zamboangueño basketball players.[1] The team has participated in various commercial and regional leagues including the [National Basketball Conference](/source/National_Basketball_Conference) in 2006, and the [Liga Pilipinas](/source/Liga_Pilipinas) in 2008.[2] After Lando's death, the club was taken over by Cory Navarro and Mike Venezuela, affiliated with the MLV Accounting.[1]

### Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

See also: [Zamboanga Sikat](/source/Zamboanga_Sikat)

The team played in the [Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League](/source/Maharlika_Pilipinas_Basketball_League) (MPBL) as the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines Valientes, as an expansion team for the [2018–19 season](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_MPBL_season).[3]

Due to management issues, however, the team announced that it will relaunch as the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines beginning with the 2019 calendar year. The move effectively split the team into two, with the relaunched ZFAMS succeeding the Valientes in the MPBL while the Valientes themselves continue to compete in other leagues.[4]

### Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3

The Zamboanga Valientes was among the pioneer teams of the [Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3](/source/Chooks-to-Go_Pilipinas_3x3) league which played in the [inaugural season in 2018](/source/2019_Chooks-to-Go_Pilipinas_3x3_season).[5] The [2020 season](/source/2020_Chooks-to-Go_Pilipinas_3x3_season) saw both the Valientes and Family Brand's Sardines compete, marking the first time both teams competed in the same league since the aforementioned split.

For the 2020 season which was organized within a "bubble" format due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), the Valientes fielded an all-Zamboangeño team, with all players native to [Zamboanga City](/source/Zamboanga_City).[5]

### Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup

The Zamboanga Valientes as JPS Zamboanga City MLV fielded a team at the [Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup](/source/Pilipinas_VisMin_Super_Cup).[6]

### PBA 3x3

Zamboanga Valientes received an invitation to participate in [the inaugural season](/source/2021_PBA_3x3_season) of the [PBA 3x3](/source/PBA_3x3) league in 2021.[7] It became the first non-franchise team to confirm its participation in the PBA league.[8][9] The team took a leave of absence for the second conference of the season due to its roster being hampered by injuries.[10]

### ASEAN Basketball League

On November 26, 2022, it was announced that the Valientes would be the Philippine representatives for the [ABL Invitational 2023](/source/2023_ABL_season).[11]

### Potential acquisition of Terrafirma Dyip

On April 28, 2025, it was reported that the Valientes were in talks to acquire the [Terrafirma Dyip](/source/Terrafirma_Dyip) franchise of the [Philippine Basketball Association](/source/Philippine_Basketball_Association) (PBA). Team owner Junjie Navarro stated confirmed in an article with *SPIN.ph* that the team has met with Terrafirma and that "it's almost a done deal". This came a few days after [Starhorse Shipping Lines](/source/Starhorse_Shipping_Lines)' attempted acquisition of the Terrafirma franchise fell through.[12]

### Other

After the [2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 season](/source/2020_Chooks-to-Go_Pilipinas_3x3_season), Zamboanga Valientes decided to begin competing in international tournaments.[13] They competed and won the title in the 3X3 Christmas Hustle which was organized in Canberra, Australia in December 2020.[14]

## Management

The Zamboanga Valientes is supported by local businesspeople Cory Navarro and Mike Venezuela and had sanction from former [Zamboanga City](/source/Zamboanga_City) mayor [Beng Climaco](/source/Beng_Climaco).[5] Joseph Romarante is the team's vice president.[15]

## Season by season

Champions Season champions Runners-up Finals berth

Season League Regular season Playoffs Head coach Finish Played Wins Losses Win% 2023 ABL 6th 14 7 7 .500 Did not qualify Expedito de los Santos

## 2024 roster

Zamboanga Valientes roster Players Coaches Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt. DOB (YYYY-MM-DD) From G 5 Alfaro, Peter 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) San Beda F 11 Benson, AJ 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) College of St. Benilde SF 24 Ferrer, Jerome 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) G/F 3 Gracia, Joewish 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) G 12 Esa, Das 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) 31 – (1994-11-12)12 November 1994 G 17 Alcantara, Job 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) SF 14 Salim, Med 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) SF 16 Johnson, Franky (WI) 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 75 kg (165 lb) 32 – (1993-08-15)15 August 1993 G 8 Lingganay, Rudy (C) 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) 77 kg (170 lb) 39 – (1986-08-05)5 August 1986 Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters PF 15 Cousins, DeMarcus (WI) 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 122 kg (269 lb) 35 – (1990-08-13)13 August 1990 Taiwan Mustangs F 28 Belo, Mac 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 84 kg (185 lb) 33 – (1993-02-12)12 February 1993 Free agent C 10 Diouf, Malick (WI) 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) G 13 Tolomia, Mike 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) 82 kg (181 lb) 33 – (1993-01-06)6 January 1993 PF 45 Evans, Nick (WI) 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) 113 kg (249 lb) 38 – (1988-04-14)14 April 1988 F 4 Akpuru, Ik (WI) 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Head coach Expedito de los Santos Assistant coach(es) Paolo Romero Legend (C) Team captain (WI) World import (AI) ASEAN heritage import Injured

This is the lineup of the Valientes for The Asian Tournament.[16]

## Notable players

- [Ryan Buenafe](/source/Ryan_Buenafe)

- [Mario Chalmers](/source/Mario_Chalmers)

- [Mac Cardona](/source/Mark_Cardona)

- [DeMarcus Cousins](/source/DeMarcus_Cousins)

- [Chito Jaime](/source/Chito_Jaime)

- [Reed Juntilla](/source/Reed_Juntilla)

- [Jaycee Marcelino](/source/Jaycee_Marcelino)

- [Eric Rodriguez](/source/Eric_Rodriguez_(basketball))

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-tojoin-abl_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-tojoin-abl_1-1) ["Zamboanga Valientes to join ABL Invitational 2023"](https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/26/zamboanga-valientes-to-join-abl-invitational-2023/). *Manila Bulletin*. November 26, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Zamboanga Valientes, the dark horse of Chooks 3x3"](https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/28/zamboanga-valientes-the-dark-horse-of-chooks-3x3/). *Manila Bulletin*. October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Isaga, JR (June 9, 2018). ["MPBL newcomer Zamboanga ready to make noise"](https://www.rappler.com/sports/204472-mpbl-new-team-zamboanga-valientes/). *Rappler*. Retrieved October 28, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["'Valientes' to be re-launched as Zambo Family's Brand Sardines"](https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057666). *www.pna.gov.ph*. December 29, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-tofield_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-tofield_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-tofield_5-2) Terrado, Reuben (October 14, 2020). ["Zamboanga Valientes MLV to field homegrown players in Chooks 3x3"](https://www.spin.ph/basketball/zamboanga-valientes-to-field-homegrown-players-in-chooks-3x3-a795-20201014?ref=home_feed_1). *Spin.ph*. Retrieved October 28, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Luarca, Roy (July 12, 2021). ["MLV Group backs Zamboanga Valientes' sports programs"](https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/07/12/2111972/mlv-group-backs-zamboanga-valientes-sports-programs). *The Philippine Star*. Retrieved July 13, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Lozada, Bong (March 26, 2021). ["Zamboanga Valientes set to join PBA 3×3"](https://sports.inquirer.net/418893/zamboanga-valientes-set-to-join-pba-3x3). *Philippine Daily Inquirer*. Retrieved March 26, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Zamboanga City Valientes joining PBA 3×3 tourney"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210326080909/http://www.tempo.com.ph/2021/03/26/zamboanga-city-valientes-joining-pba-3x3-tourney/). *Tempo*. March 26, 2021. Archived from [the original](http://www.tempo.com.ph/2021/03/26/zamboanga-city-valientes-joining-pba-3x3-tourney/) on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["'Tausug Hero' looking to make mark in PBA 3X3"](https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/11/20/21/tausug-hero-looking-to-make-mark-in-pba-3x3). *ABS-CBN News*. November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Bacnis, Justine (February 14, 2022). ["Zamboanga Valientes take leave of absence for PBA 3x3 second conference"](https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/zamboanga-valientes-take-leave-of-absence-for-pba-3x3-second-conference/231624). *Tiebreaker Times*. Retrieved February 15, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Zamboanga Valientes to join ABL Invitational 2023"](https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/11/26/2226612/zamboanga-valientes-join-abl-invitational-2023). *Philstar.com*. November 26, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Ramos, gerry (April 28, 2025). ["Valientes say acquisition of Terrafirma team 'almost a done deal'"](https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/zamboanga-valientes-buying-pba-team-of-terrafirma-dyip-a793-20250428). *Spin.ph*. Retrieved April 29, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Zamboanga Valientes MLV to compete in Australia"](https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/09/zamboanga-valientes-mlv-to-compete-in-australia/). *Manila Bulletin*. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Luarca, Roy (December 13, 2020). ["Zamboanga Valientes tops Australia 3x3 tilt, makes Philippine basketball history"](https://www.philstar.com/sports/2020/12/13/2063512/zamboanga-valientes-tops-australia-3x3-tilt-makes-philippine-basketball-history). *The Philippine Star*. Retrieved December 13, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Yalung, Brian (January 1, 2023). ["Zamboanga Valientes set modest goal in ABL Invitational 2023 stint"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230103083856/https://sports.ptvnews.ph/zamboanga-valientes-set-modest-goal-in-abl-invitational-2023-stint/). *PTV Sports*. Archived from [the original](https://sports.ptvnews.ph/zamboanga-valientes-set-modest-goal-in-abl-invitational-2023-stint/) on January 3, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Payo, Jasmine (April 14, 2024). ["Zamboanga Valientes out to contend in Asian tilt, eye Dwight Howard as import"](https://www.rappler.com/sports/zamboanga-valientes-2024-asian-tournament-eye-dwight-howard-import/). *RAPPLER*. Retrieved August 6, 2024.

Links to related articles v t e ASEAN Basketball League Teams Alab Pilipinas Bangkok Cobras Brunei Barracudas CLS Knights Indonesia Bangkok Tigers Formosa Dreamers Hi-Tech Bangkok City Hong Kong Eastern Indonesia Warriors Kaohsiung Truth Kuala Lumpur Dragons Laskar Dreya South Sumatra Louvre Surabaya Macau Wolf Warriors Macau Black Bears Mono Vampire NS Matrix Deers Philippine Patriots Pilipinas MX3 Kings San Miguel Beermen Saigon Heat Satria Muda BritAma Singapore Slingers Taipei Fubon Braves Thailand Tigers Zamboanga Valientes Seasons 2009–10 2010–11 2012 2013 2014 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2023 Playoffs 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2023 Finals 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2023 Category v t e Former Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League teams Inactive Bacoor City Strikers Bicol Volcanoes Davao Occidental Tigers Iloilo United Royals1 Makati Skyscrapers Mandaluyong El Tigre Navotas Clutch Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards Pampanga Giant Lanterns Pangasinan Heatwaves Tarlac United Force2 Zamboanga Valientes3 Relocated Muntinlupa Cagers (Meycauayan Marilao Gems) 1 Franchise revoked midseason 2 Did not participate in league play 3 Succeeded by Zamboanga Sikat v t e PBA 3x3 Philippine Basketball Association Seasons (Conferences) 2021 1st 2nd 3rd 2022–23 1st 2nd 3rd 2023–24 1st 2nd 3rd Teams Franchise teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Blackwater Smooth Razor Cavitex Braves Limitless Appmasters Meralco Bolts 3x3 NorthPort Batang Pier Purefoods TJ Titans San Miguel Beermen Terrafirma 3x3 TNT Triple Giga Guests J&T Express Master Sardines Fishing Champs MCFASolver Tech Centrale Pioneer ElastoSeal Katibays Platinum Karaoke Sista Super Sealers Wilcon Depot 3x3 Zamboanga Valientes Related competitions Philippine Basketball Association PBA Women's 3x3 v t e Sports teams based in Mindanao Basketball MPBL Basilan Steel GenSan Warriors Sarangani 10Act Zamboanga Sikat Other Zamboanga Valientes

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Zamboanga Valientes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_Valientes) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_Valientes?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.