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Tag: Zamboanga Valientes

  • Zamboanga Valientes snag Greg Slaughter from Titan Ultra for Melbourne tournament

    Zamboanga Valientes snag Greg Slaughter from Titan Ultra for Melbourne tournament

    The towering 7-foot former Barangay Ginebra slotman, whose PBA future remains in limbo, is set to make waves in Australia as he dons the Zamboanga Valientes jersey for the upcoming Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament in Melbourne.

     

    Slaughter, along with his Valientes teammates, took off for Melbourne on Tuesday morning ahead of the three-day pocket tournament, slated to tip off on April 3 at Waverley Basketball Stadium.

     

    The Valientes are representing the Philippines in the Premiere Division, joining a 12-team field that includes high-level competition from NBL-Australia squads such as the BSBL  Guardians (Brisbane), BTO MBL All Stars, and Black Rhinos. Meanwhile, Division 1 sees another Philippine squad, We Are CSAS Pilipinas, competing in their own bracket.

     

     

    The move comes amid speculation about Slaughter’s PBA prospects. Insider reached out to Slaughter for comment, but the former Ginebra big man remained tight-lipped on both his potential PBA return and his stint with the Valientes.

    Valientes owner Junnie Navarro clarified that signing Slaughter, who is technically a free agent, was a straightforward decision following their Dubai tournament.

     

    “I called him if he already has a contract in the PBA or somewhere else, sabi n’ya wala. So good, we signed him up to reinforce our squad,” said Navarro, who also serves as a Zamboanga City councilor.

     

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    Navarro emphasized that the Valientes had no role in the ongoing discussions between Slaughter and PBA newcomer Titan Ultra.

     

    “Yun ang sinabi n’ya, wala pa sila contract so since free siya I asked him if he can join us. He said yes. Parang continuity lang to ng usapan naming from Dubai,” Navarro added.

     

    Insider sources revealed that Slaughter’s potential move to Titan Ultra has been delayed due to administrative hurdles, including the team needing clearance from the PBA and its board regarding his status. In fact, Titan Ultra management was reportedly summoned to the PBA offices to address the matter.

     

    For now, all eyes will be on Melbourne as the Valientes aim to make a statement with Slaughter anchoring their frontcourt—a story that blends international exposure with the ongoing intrigue surrounding one of Philippine basketball’s most talked-about big men.

     

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  • Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    The fallout from the Dubai altercation involving Nick Demusis and former Meralco import Ismael Romero took another turn on Monday after the Fil-American player’s camp disputed claims that the issue had already been settled.

     

    Demusis’ wife, Rizza Diaz, broke her silence through a lengthy social media post, insisting that Romero never apologized to her husband — contradicting earlier remarks from Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.

     

    The clarification came a day after reports surfaced that Meralco had decided to move on from Romero as its import for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    “I am making this statement to provide clarification after Trillo declared in a radio show that Romero already apologized to Demusis in Dubai and that the information was unreported in the media,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is not the case,” she added.

     

    According to Diaz, the only interaction between Romero and Demusis happened inside a Dubai police headquarters after the Zamboanga Valientes guard filed a complaint stemming from the incident.

     

    During that meeting, Demusis sought both an apology and compensation for medical expenses as well as the games he missed while recovering from the injuries he sustained.

     

     

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    Diaz claimed that while a verbal settlement had been discussed, Romero failed to follow through.

     

    She said a face-to-face meeting was scheduled later that night at a hotel in Dubai, but Romero allegedly left the country for Manila before it could happen. 

     

    Another attempt to arrange a meeting in the Philippines with the help of Meralco officials also fell through after Romero departed again, this time for Puerto Rico.

     

    “It was clear deception on his part and [he] left us hanging,” Diaz said.

     

    “When Romero left the Philippines, we just took it as it was: we saw it coming. However, I believe it would be an injustice to claim that Romero has already apologized to my husband.”

     

    Until recently, the Meralco organization had largely remained silent regarding the controversy surrounding its former import.

     

    The only public comment addressing the situation came from Trillo during an appearance on the Power & Play podcast hosted by Noli Eala, where he suggested that Romero had already expressed remorse.

     

    That claim, Diaz said, was the reason she felt compelled to speak up.

     

    “This is me speaking up this one time to set the record straight,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is me protecting my husband. This is me speaking the truth on his behalf, and that’s all we can do.”

     

    The situation gained renewed attention after Meralco officially replaced Romero with Marvin Jones as the team’s reinforcement for the Commissioner’s Cup, closing one chapter of the controversy while leaving questions about the unresolved dispute lingering.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy after a shocking on-court incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational. The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward was captured on video assaulting Zamboanga Valientes’ Nick Demusis, kicking him twice following a collision during the game. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised serious questions about sportsmanship and disciplinary action in international basketball competitions.

     

    The incident occurred on January 28, with Romero Fernandez representing Al Ahli Tripoli, and it quickly drew the ire of the basketball community—not least Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao. Guiao, known for his passionate defense of players, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Romero Fernandez’s actions were inexcusable and should have consequences.

     

    “The Romero-Demusis incident would have been a lot more complicated if Nick was playing for Rain or Shine when the incident happened. Hindi sya matitiis ng teammates n’ya na gawin sa kanya ng opposing player ang ganun bagay,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

     

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    Guiao’s reaction is understandable given the strong bond between Demusis and his former Rain or Shine teammates. The 34-year-old guard spent three years with the Elasto Painters after being acquired from the Phoenix Fuel Masters as part of the Javee Mocon trade, forging close ties with the team and building a reputation as a reliable leader on and off the court.

    “Understandably, Rain or Shine is more invested in our relationship with Nick than the Zamboanga Valientes were, considering the time he spent with us and his closeness to his teammates. Sure glad we did not have to go through the experience with Nick. Saved us a lot of trouble, probably Romero, too,” Guiao added.

     

    The controversy has sparked further discussion in the basketball community, particularly as the East Asia Super League (EASL) prepares for its next slate of games. Guiao expressed concerns over whether Romero Fernandez should be allowed to participate in Meralco Bolts’ upcoming game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, given his recent behavior. Many fans and observers have echoed the sentiment that such actions should not go unpunished, especially in high-level competitions where professionalism and discipline are paramount.

     

    Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes have pursued formal action by filing a police complaint in Dubai, demonstrating their commitment to holding players accountable for dangerous conduct. Surprisingly, Romero Fernandez has yet to issue a statement or apology regarding the incident, a silence that has only intensified scrutiny from fans, coaches, and sports analysts alike.

     

    The fallout from the incident has reignited conversations about player conduct, league regulations, and the responsibility of imports in professional basketball. With international tournaments becoming increasingly prominent for Filipino players and teams, incidents like this highlight the importance of enforcing strict codes of conduct and ensuring the safety of all participants on the court.

     

    As basketball authorities assess the situation, attention now turns to whether Romero Fernandez will face any disciplinary measures from the leagues he participates in, and whether the Meralco Bolts will allow him to take the court in their upcoming EASL matchup. For Demusis, the focus remains on recovery and moving forward from what could have been a career-altering incident, while for the basketball community, the Romero Fernandez episode serves as a reminder of the thin line between competitive aggression and unacceptable violence in professional sports.

     

     

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  • Zamboanga Valientes take legal route after Nick Demusis assault in Dubai Invitational

    Zamboanga Valientes take legal route after Nick Demusis assault in Dubai Invitational

    What unfolded on the hardwood in Dubai has now spilled beyond basketball.

     

    MLV-Zamboanga Valientes have elevated the incident involving forward Nick Demusis and Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez from an on-court altercation to a legal matter, filing a formal police complaint in Dubai following what team officials describe as a clear act of assault during a Dubai International Basketball Invitational game.

     

    Valientes head coach RJ Argamino confirmed that team officials personally accompanied Demusis to a Dubai police station after the second-quarter incident in Al Ahli’s 110-103 victory early Wednesday. The decision, Argamino said, reflects the organization’s commitment to accountability—both within the sport and under local law.

     

    In the aftermath, accusations surfaced online suggesting the Valientes failed to protect Demusis during the attack. Argamino firmly rejected that narrative, explaining that the team had been repeatedly reminded to comply strictly with United Arab Emirates laws governing public conduct.

     

    “Hindi namin iniwan sa ere si Nick. Masyado mabilis pangyayari. And besides, I commend my players and the whole team for taking the high road,” Argamino said.

     

    He added that the suddenness of the incident left little time for intervention, describing how other players were either turned away or engaged elsewhere when Romero Fernandez struck.

     

    “If you look at the situation, Sam (Deguara) also turned his back to defend, Malik (Diouf) was talking to Dennis (Santos) when Romero suddenly attacked Nick, who was then down on the floor. And you saw Terrence (Romeo) approaching,” he said. 

     

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    Rather than escalate the situation, Argamino revealed that Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro commended the squad for choosing restraint—even after Romero Fernandez allegedly delivered what was described as a “football kick” to Demusis’ head.

     

    That restraint, however, does not mean the team intends to let the matter pass quietly.

    Argamino confirmed that he is now coordinating with the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association to push for disciplinary action against Romero Fernandez, emphasizing that the incident crossed far beyond the boundaries of physical play.

     

    “That was a clear assault. And it against the criminal laws of UAE. We hope Romero will realize the repercussions of his action. Ulo tinamaan si Nick. Football kick ang ginawa nya, nakahiga na yung tao,” he said.

     

    “We hope there will be sanctions and punishments. What he did was totally unsportsmanlike and uncalled for,” he added.

     

    Argamino also underscored the personal dimension of the incident, pointing out the troubling irony of a Filipino player being attacked by someone playing professionally in the Philippines.

    “Gagawin namin yun. Naglalaro siya para sa isang team sa Pilipinas tapos gagawin nya yun sa isang Pinoy. There was really a bad intention. Twice na nya sinipa, aatakihin nya pa ulit,” he said.

    Support for the Valientes’ legal move has come from Demusis’ family, with his wife, television host Rizza Diaz, condemning the assault that played out before a live audience.

     

    “Ang tagal ko na nagco-cover ng basketball wala akong nakitang ganun. Grabe yung ginawa nya kay Nick. And he did that on live TV and in front of a hundreds of fans in the venue,” she said.

    As investigations move forward, the incident stands as a reminder that while tempers may flare in competition, actions—especially on an international stage—carry consequences far beyond the final score.

     

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  • Vic Manuel reunites with former PBA teammates as Zamboanga Valientes competes in Dubai

    Vic Manuel reunites with former PBA teammates as Zamboanga Valientes competes in Dubai

    For Vic Manuel, Dubai isn’t just another overseas stop—it’s a rare pause in a long PBA grind, one that allows him to play basketball without the usual pressure, surrounded by familiar faces from different chapters of his career.

     

    Now wearing Zamboanga Valientes colors, Manuel is reunited with former PBA teammates Terrence Romeo, Nick Demusis, and Barkley Ebona as the team competes in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, which tips off Friday. The Valientes departed for Dubai on Thursday afternoon.

     

    At 38, the veteran forward sees the reunion as something he doesn’t take lightly, especially after years of roster changes and short-term contracts across the league. 

     

    For Manuel, the chance to share the floor again—particularly with Romeo, his former San Miguel teammate and championship partner—feels more like a reward than a coincidence.

     

    “Masaya, kahit paano nagkasama-sama kami dito sa Zamboanga, ‘di ba?! Nag-i-enjoy lang kami sa paglalaro ng basketball. Tamang kuwentuhan lang,” Manuel said.

     

    Of the group, Romeo was his most recent teammate in the PBA. The two were dealt together from San Miguel to Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig. Demusis previously crossed paths with Manuel at Phoenix, while Ebona was one of his frontcourt partners during his Alaska days—connections that now converge under one banner far from home.

     

    Adding to the familiarity is Greg Slaughter, another Valientes recruit and Manuel’s former teammate on the Gilas Pilipinas squad that captured gold in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. 

     

    Though the two never played together in the PBA, their bond has endured, with Manuel affectionately referring to the former Ateneo center as his “partner.” 

     

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    The Dubai stint, however, was a year in the making.

     

    Manuel revealed that both he and Romeo were already invited to play for Zamboanga during last year’s Dubai tournament, back when they were still with Terrafirma.

     

    “Last Dubai din, tinawagan nila (Valientes) ako, dapat kami ni Terrence din,” he recalled. “Kaso may kontrata pa ako sa Terrafirma. Nag-try akong magpaalam, kaso hindi nila ako pinayagan.

    “Pero tapos na nun yung conference (Commissioner’s Cup). Isang buwan na lang yung kontrata ko sa kanila, Pero yun nga, ‘di ako pinayagan. Tinapos ko na lang din yung kontrata para wala rin silang masabi.”

     

    That patience eventually paid off. After failing to secure a contract renewal with the Dyip, Manuel joined the Valientes and helped them win the Governor Hofer Invitational Basketball Championship in Zamboanga Sibugay. Soon after, team owner Junnie Navarro made it clear that Dubai was already in the plans.

     

    “Last year pa, sinabihan na ako na, ‘O next year (2026), laro ka na,” Manuel said. “Well, masaya namang maglaro kay boss Junnie. Sobrang alaga nila dito ang mga players. Turing nila, parang pamilya na rin.”

     

    Manuel arrives in Dubai in game shape, coming off a brief but intense stint with Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. His one-month contract expired shortly after the FiberXers’ playoff heartbreak—a 99-98 overtime loss to Barangay Ginebra.

     

    “Hindi lang naging maganda yung last stint ko. Na-out kami nang maaga,” Manuel admitted, while remaining optimistic about Converge’s long-term direction.

     

    “Pero habang tumatagal, matututo yung team. Magma-matured yan. Malakas naman yung team.”

    For now, though, Manuel is fully locked in on the task at hand. In Dubai, surrounded by old teammates and renewed purpose, the veteran forward isn’t chasing a comeback—he’s simply making the most of the moment.

     

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  • Former PBA star Greg Slaughter returns to competitive basketball with Zamboanga Valientes

    Former PBA star Greg Slaughter returns to competitive basketball with Zamboanga Valientes

    Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Greg Slaughter is making a highly anticipated return to competitive basketball after signing with the Zamboanga Valientes for the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championship. The 37-year-old veteran, who has enjoyed a storied career in Philippine basketball, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to once again compete at a high level and reunite with familiar faces.

     

    Slaughter will be joining a star-studded lineup that includes his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Vic Manuel, PBA standout Terrence Romeo, Barkley Ebona, Nick Demusis, former NBA No. 1 draft pick Anthony Bennett, and college standout Forthsky Padrigao.

     

    “It’s been fun, me personally. It’s been over a year since [I’ve been] in a team and again be with the guys and had a lot of camaraderie. Seeing the No. 1 NBA draft pick and playing with him, playing with a lot of locals, Zamboanga talents who are really good players,” Slaughter said during a media interaction.

     

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    The veteran confirmed that he has been diligently training to rebuild his strength and stamina ahead of the tournament, which kicks off this weekend at the Rashid bin Hamdam Hall in Dubai.

    “Feeling a lot better, building on a lot of things, but you know, it’s different playing in a game compared to a practice or individual skills training. So we will see how that first game goes, get out there, see how it feels, and build up from that,” he added.

     

    A notable highlight of Slaughter’s return is the chance to play alongside Terrence Romeo for the first time. While the two competed against each other in college and early PBA careers, this tournament marks their first time as teammates. Slaughter is also looking forward to reuniting with Vic Manuel, with whom he shared a long-standing partnership dating back to the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

     

    “It’s actually my first time with Terrence. I played against him since college, but this will be actually the first time that we will be playing together. Vic, we have played together and he has been my partner since the 2019 SEA Games. We were always playing together. I have fun time playing with Vic,” Slaughter said.

     

    Despite the excitement surrounding his Dubai stint, Slaughter remains non-committal about a possible return to the PBA. His signing rights are still held by Titan Ultra following the company’s purchase of the NorthPort franchise. The veteran revealed that while Titan Ultra management reached out during the ongoing Philippine Cup, he has not received further communication since.

     

    “I haven’t heard anything. I don’t know. Hopefully, it works. I hope so,” Slaughter concluded.

     

    For fans, Slaughter’s return represents not just the comeback of a celebrated PBA veteran, but also an opportunity to see him compete against top-level international competition while mentoring younger talent. As the Dubai International Basketball Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Slaughter to see if he can recapture his prime form and once again make an impact on the court.

     

     

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