Exciting and thrilling hardcourt action is all set as Team Aguilar battles it out against Team Mark at the PBA All Star Game at the University of Saint La Salle Coliseum on Sunday, March 24.
Top all star vote-getter Mark Barroca will be joined by June Mar Fajardo, Jason Perkins, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Jio Jalalon, Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, Ricci Rivero, Cliff Hodge, Juami Tiongson, and Nards Pinto, Ian Sangalang and Negrense 2x MVP James Yap who will shoot for his 18th All Star appearance.
“We’ll just keep ourselves away from injuries but we’ll play hard. We will match our energy against Team Japeth,” Barroca said.
Newly-crowned PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion Coach Jorge Gallent will mentor team Barroca.
Team Aguilar led by team captain Japeth Aguilar promises to defend the North All-Stars against their South counterparts along with Christian, Standhardinger,Terrence Romeo, Scottie Thompson, Paul Lee, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Tyler Tio and Stanley Pringle.
PBA’s winningest coach and Gilas mentor Tim Cone will coach Team Aguilar.
Commissioner Willy Marcial thanked the Bacolodnons after they were welcomed by city officials led by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Masskara Festival chairperson Jojie Dingcong at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday.
It was way back in 2008 when the All Stars played in Bacolod.
Benitez is hopeful that the PBA All Star Weekend, which is part of the city’s MassKara Festival events, will set the tone for Bacolod’s sports tourism success in October.
“We can get the top and the best sporting events in Bacolod during our MassKara season then we will have a more successful event,” he said.
The mayor is even more optimistic that with the completion of the city’s Museum and Convention Center, Bacolod will become a venue for more national and international sports competitions.
“If we can get more national and international competitions, we will not only get local tourists, but tourists from other countries as well,” he added.*