The Zamboanga Valientes MLV made history as the first Filipino basketball team to triumph in the 3×3 Christmas Street Hustle tournament last December 12, 2020 during its final match against Black Bucket Australia at the Belconnen 3×3 Outdoor Courts of Canberra in Australia.
The game concluded with a rematch between the Valientes and their winning opponent, the Black Bucket Australia, during the preliminary rounds, 14-16. In the end, the Valientes topped their final opponent with half of their score, 14-7, getting the championship title to shine on their side.
Junnie Navaro, the son of Valientes’ owner Cory Navarro, coached the team composed of former NCRAA Mythical 5 member Chris Conception, Sudanese-Australian Duon Dawan, 18-year old high school prospect Adam Compton, and ex-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League player Eric Miraflores.
Valientes co-owner and MLV Group CEO Mike Venezuela expressed his gratification towards the team’s victory.
“This accomplishment is just a testimony of the advocacy 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 testament of the commitment of the Zamboanga Valientes to always field in Zamboangueños in any competition,” Venezuela said.
Together with Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, Venezuela is known to have supported the team’s international match.
The Zamboanga-based team is looking forward to participating in a Las Vegas-based tournament the following year if a vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic goes public, says Navarro.
