Aris Dionisio is set for his maiden PBA All-Star appearance.
The young Magnolia forward will take the place of Scottie Thompson in Team Japeth Aguilar for the All-Star Game set on Sunday in Bacolod.
A captain in the previous festivities, the 2021 league MVP won’t play in this year’s midseason extravaganza due to a nagging back issue.
Thompson, though, is still expected to join the trip.
With this, Dionisio is now the second All-Star Game replacement after Roger Pogoy, who’s taking the spot of the injured Tyler Tio in Team Japeth as well.
The 28-year-old lefty will help his side versus the team of Mark Barroca, his Hotshots senior, in the ASG to be held at the USLS Coliseum.
Dionisio, however, will no longer be taking part in the Three-Point Shootout among big men. Taking his spot is Magnolia teammate James Laput.
The 6-foot-10 Laput will have himself a busy All-Star Weekend ahead as he is also set to compete in the Obstacle Challenge.
