Showdown in Digos: Yap leads All-Star vs Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - Prolific scorers James Yap and Mark Caguioa and versatile forwards Arwind Santos, Calvin Abueva and Chris Ellis make up the starting five of the PBA selection that will go up against Gilas Pilipinas in the 2013 PBA All-Star Game on May 5 in Digos, Davao del Sur.

Meanwhile, former MVP awardees Benjie Paras and Kenneth Duremdes and fellow former PBA stars Jerry Codiñera, Noli Locsin, Vince Hizon and Bong Hawkins are among those playing in the Legends Game.

The much-awaited mid-season spectacle is again highlighted by the All-Star Game that departs from its traditional North versus South and Veterans versus RSJs formats to give way to the participation of the national team gearing up for the coming FIBA Asia Championship.

Coach Luigi Trillo handles the PBA selection challenging coach Chot Reyes and his national pool on All-Star Sunday.

Yap, Caguioa, Abueva, Santos and Ellis are the top vote-getters to start for the PBA squad that will also feature Air21’s KG Canaleta, Petron’s Alex Cabagnot, Jay Washington and Marcio Lassiter, Alaska’s Cyrus Baguio and Jayvee Casio and Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga.

Still uncertain is whether an import would be tapped to reinforce the PBA five against the Marcus Douthit-led Phl squad. The game is slated after Game Two of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Yap and Jimmy Alapag see action in their 10th All-Star Game, joining Dindo Pumaren and Vergel Meneses in a small group of 10-time All-Star participants.

Only Alvin Patrimonio (12), Asi Taulava (12), Codiñera (11) and Dondon Hontiveros (11) had more All-Star appearances.

Last year in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Yap broke Samboy Lim’s 21-year All-Star record of 42 points, making 44 to lead the Veterans to a 176-144 win over the Rookies/Sophomores/Juniors squad.