Pacquiao adds spice to 2016 PBA All-Stars

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, listed as playing coach of the Mahindra Enforcers in the official PBA roster, is lending his presence in the 2016 PBA All-Star Extravaganza, suiting up with the Stalwarts team in the All-Star Blitz Game on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pacquiao, who has played couples of games with Mahindra (formerly KIA) last season, is teaming up with legends Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, Nic Belasco and Topex Robinson in the Stalwarts team that also includes PBA youngsters Chris Banchero, David Semerad, Raymond Almazan and PBA D-League stars Mike Tolomia, Russel Escoto, Raphael Banal and Bryan Cruz.

Legends Johnny Abarrientos, Noli Locsin, Richard del Rosario and Bong Ravena, meanwhile, banner the Team Greats that also features PBA players Maverick Ahanmisi, Kevin Alas, Anthony Semerad, Ian Sangalang and D-League mainstays Ed Daquioag, Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy and Jonathan Grey.

Pacquiao is likely to figure in curious matchup with Abarrientos to highlight the Blitz Game which serves as the main dish in the All-Star Friday to be spiced up by skills competitions including the Obstacle Challenge, the three-point shootout and the slam-dunk contest.

Terrence Romeo, Rey Guevarra and Jeric Fortuna defend their crowns in the three-point shootout, slam-dunk contest and obstacle challenge, respectively.

Also entered in the dunking competition are James Forrester, Moala Tautuaa, Chris Newsome and Franklin Bonifacio while James Yap, Jeff Chan, Alex Cabagnot, RJ Jazul, Jayjay Helterbrand, Almond Vosotros, Nino Canaleta, Garvo Lanete, Simon Enciso and Troy Rosario try to snatch the Three-Point King title.

The All-Star Weekend culminates with the keenly awaited North-vs-South All-Star Game on Sunday with Romeo, Mark Caguioa, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar and Calvin Abueva leading the North team’s bid to repeat their victory in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year.

Romeo, Caguioa, Pingris, Aguilar and Abueva make up coach Yeng Guiao’s starting unit versus coach Leo Austria’s James Yap, Scottie Thompson, Greg Slaughter, June Mar Fajardo and Joe Devance.

Coming off the bench for the North team are Jayson Castro, Alex Cabagnot, Gabe Norwood, Paul Lee, Ranidel de Ocampo, Stanley Pringle and Troy Rosario.

The South team’s reserves are Chan, JR Quinahan, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, Mark Barroca, RR Garcia, Carlo Lastimosa and Asi Taulava in his all-time record 14th All-Star participation. 

The All-Star festivities are back at the Big Dome for the first time in seven years.

The PBA summer spectacle had been to Digos City, Laoag City, Boracay, Victorias City and Panabo in the previous years. The last time it was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was in 2009, featuring the final leg of Luz-Vi-Min tour pitting the Powerade Phl Team under coach Yeng Guiao versus the PBA All-Stars.

The last time the PBA All-Star Weekend was held in Manila was in 2014 over at the MOA Arena featuring Gilas Pilipinas versus the PBA All-Stars. The Nationals prevailed, 101-93, with Gary David going home with the MVP honors.