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Zamboanga Valientes leads Australia 3×3 tilt, makes Philippine basketball history
Roy Luarca (Philstar.com) – December 13, 2020 – 11:07 am
MANILA, Philippines – Zamboanga Valientes MLV returned to Black Buckets Australia, 14-7, in Saturday’s final game to clinch the 3×3 Christmas Street Hustle crown and make history as the first Filipino team to win a basketball tournament in Australia.
It was a sweet rematch for the Valiant, who lost to the Black Buckets, 14-16, in overtime in the preliminary phase of the event held at the 3×3 Belconnen outdoor courts in Canberra.
Local veteran Chris Concepcion shone in the final when the legendary former NCRAA team member with the San Francisco de Assissi Pigeons shut out the Australians’ best gunner as he orchestrated plays and earned points when needed.
Sudanese-Australian Duom Dawan used his 6-foot-10-inch frame to dominate the interior, while former Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League player Eric Miraflores, who resides in Melbourne, and 18-year-old prospect Adam Compton, who has its roots in the Philippines. They also did their part, as Zamboanga Valientes won the admiration of the local Filipino community, Asian migrants, and even the event organizers.
Former member of the Philippines youth team (2004) Junnie Navarro, son of Zamboanga Valientes owner Cory Navarro, was the mentor of the dark horse tagged team in the Open division of the annual event.
The Zamboanga Valientes, backed by the CEO of MLV Group, Mike Venezuela and supported by the mayor of the city of Zamboanga, Beng Climaco, beat Orange Buckets Australia, 11-8, in the first game and the White Buckets, 15-8 , in their second game, before being attacked by the Black Buckets in a very physical encounter that ended at 11-11 after regulation play.
The Zamboangueños also defeated MZ Africa to advance to the semifinals against the Orange Buckets, whom they defeated again, 16-11, to win a rematch with the Black Buckets.
“This is just the beginning of the team’s international exposure,” said Venezuela, co-owner of Valientes. “We look forward to more international competition for our team, our pride is Zamboanga Valientes.”
“This achievement is only a testimony of the defense and vision of the Navarro family. That our Zamboangueño ballers have what it takes to win and perform on the big stage. It is a clear testimony of the commitment of the Zamboanga Valientes to always play in Zamboanguenos in any competition, “added Venezuela.
“We are doing something good and we will continue to do so.”
According to Navarro, they have been invited to compete in a 3×3 tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada next year and would participate if the vaccine (for the coronavirus) is available by then.
After the final, the Zamboanga Valientes were inundated with congratulatory messages, including one from boxer Eumir Marcial, who will be heading to the Tokyo Olympics, a Zamboangueño who will make his professional debut in Los Angeles on December 16.
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