Calvin Oftana will have his work cut out for him as he tries to retain the Three-Point Shootout crown in the 2026 PBA All-Star festivities in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
The TNT star will put the coveted title he won in 2024 in Bacolod against 11 other competitors, led by none other than San Miguel sniper Marcio Lassiter.
It could be recalled that the veteran marksman became the league’s all-time threes leader in that same year by surpassing former PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag, but remains in search of his first championship in the side event.
Lassiter also fought in 2024 but couldn’t get past the first round as Oftana stole the show and went on to beat Magnolia star Paul Lee in the finale.
Joining the two would be Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano and other renowned four-point gunners in Joshua Munzon of Titan Ultra, Terrafirma lead guard Jerrick Ahanmisi, and Blackwater sophomore Sedrick Barefield.
Phoenix main man Tyler Tio, Magnolia winger Zav Lucero, Andrei Caracut of Rain or Shine, NLEX youngster Xyrus Torres, CJ Cansino of Meralco, and Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra complete the contest’s picture.
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Meanwhile, Beermen bruiser JM Calma will defend his Obstacle Challenge championship against some of the league’s big men.
Then a sophomore with NorthPort, Calma bested Elasto Painter Santi Santillan and Magnolia’s Laput in the Final in 2024 to reign triumphant.
Laput is back to challenge him as part of a star-studded field led by RoS vet Beau Belga, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, and Raymond Almazan, who headlined the Bacolod side events after winning the Three-Point Shootout for bigs.
FiberXers leader Justin Arana, Henry Galinato of the Tropang 5G, Road Warrior Brandon Ramirez, Abu Tratter of the Bossing, Dyip rookie Geo Chiu, Kai Balungay of the Fuel Masters, and Giant Riser Damie Cuntapay are also in.
A separate Obstacle Challenge among guards will also be held, marking the particular event’s return to the festivities after eight years.
Robert Bolick of NLEX and Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos lead the fray and will be up against the likes of De Liano, Tio, and Ahanmisi, whose brother, Mav, won the meet in the Luzon leg of the 2017 All-Stars when he was still with Rain or Shine.
Rey Nambatac (TNT), Juami Tiongson (San Miguel), Fran Yu (Titan Ultra), Felix Lemetti (Rain or Shine), Jerom Lastimosa (Magnolia), Anjo Caram (Meralco), and Blackwater rookie Dalph Panopio are part of the contest as well.
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It remains to be seen if the PBA will stage a Slam Dunk Contest, which was shelved in 2024 and was replaced by the Three-Point Shootout for bigs.
The last time that it was held was in 2023 in Passi City, Iloilo, where then-FiberXers guard Dave Murell edged out Tyrus Hill in a tight Final.
The 2026 All-Star is slated March 6-8 at the Candon City Arena.
