On Saturday, the starters for the penultimate event for the 2016 PBA All-Star Game were announced. The much-awaited event will be held at the historic Smart-Araneta Coliseum from August 4-7.
In the main event of the festivities is the annual All-Star game, which will feature stars divided into the North and South squads.
The South team Starting Five will be composed of:
James Yap (Star Hotshots)
Joe Devance (Barangay Ginebra)
Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra)
Greg Slaughter (Barangay Ginebra)
Two-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen)
For the North team, their primary protagonists will be:
Calvin Abueva (Alaska Aces)
Marc Pingris (Star Hotshots)
Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra)
Mark Caguioa (Barangay Ginebra)
Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort)
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao will call the shots for South, while for the second straight year, SMB’s Leo Austria will be coaching for the North.
Events prior to the main game include the usual Skills challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, 3-point shootout, Rookies versus Sophomores and Greats versus Stalwarts.
During last year’s All-Star game, North won over South in Palawan, 166-161. Terrence Romeo was named MVP of that exhibition game.