Zamboanga Valientes arrive in Australia for elite Asia Pacific basketball showdown
The Zamboanga Valientes have landed in Australia for a high-profile basketball tournament. The team, featuring 7-foot centre Greg Slaughter, touched down on March 31, 2026, ahead of the three-day event. This marks their second appearance as a Philippine squad in the 12-team pocket tournament under We Are CSAS Pilipinas in Division 1. The Valientes will face tough competition in Melbourne's Waverley Basketball Stadium. Their matches begin on April 3, with opponents including NBL-Australia sides like the BSBL Guardians, BTO MBL All Stars, and Black Rhinos. The tournament falls under the Premiere Division, testing the team against some of the region's strongest clubs.
Slaughter's return to the Valientes comes after a break from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Despite speculation, neither he nor the team has signed with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, the PBA's newest franchise. The tournament also confirms no PBA teams are participating in this edition of the Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament.
The Valientes now prepare for their opening games on April 3. Their performance in Melbourne will be closely watched, especially with Slaughter back in the lineup. The tournament offers a chance to measure their progress against international competition.
