Kyt Jimenez, Malick Diouf banner Zamboanga Valientes in Dubai tilt

Kyt Jimenez and Malick Diouf will forge a lethal tandem when they headline Zamboanga Valientes in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship slated from January 24 to February 2. 

Former San Miguel player Jimenez and 6-foot-11 Senegalese big man Diouf will lead the cast that also features ex-PBA player Mike Tolomia, UST guard Forthsky Padrigao, and Italian-Maltese bruiser in 7-foot-6 Samuel Deguara, according to a Facebook post by the organizers. 

This means that Zamboanga Valientes will join another Philippine representative in Strong Group Athletics, which earlier announced its participation behind a star-studded cast led by DeMarcus Cousins and several local stars. 

SGA also revealed the inclusion of Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso as well collegiate standouts in reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag, NCAA Season 100 Mythical Team member Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez. 

Both teams will look to bring the country's lost glory in the tournament following a finals heartbreak by SGA last year, faltering against Al Riyadi after Ismail Ahmed Abdelmoneim buried the game-winning triple to win it for the Lebanese side. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News