PBA All-Star draft: Team Scottie picks Standhardinger first, Team Japeth takes June Mar Fajardo

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) thaws the ice on its All-Star showcase next month when it visits Passi City in Iloilo with the promise it is still the electric show it has been through the years.

Captain Scottie Thompson was the first to pick—choosing Ginebra teammate Christian Standhardinger in the event that has gone through a makeover and follows the same pickup-game selection that the National Basketball Association has employed.

Counterpart Japeth Aguilar went with six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo in a bid to immediately match the opposing team’s size.

“It’s nice on the eyes,” Thompson said in Filipino shortly after a made-for-television show at TV5 Studios in Mandaluyong City on Monday night. “It’s like you’re not going to grow tired of watching this team.”

The reigning MVP and Standhardinger will be joined by CJ Perez, Calvin Abueva, Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas, Jayson Castro, Stanley Pringle, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, with James Yap rounding out the list.

“We have guys who can run and guys who can light it up from the three-point line,” said Aguilar, who will lean on Fajardo, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Roger Pogoy, LA Tenorio, Mikey Williams, Paul Lee, Jeremiah Gray, Gian Mamuyac, Nards Pinto, and Terrence Romeo.

“I’m excited to see all the things on social media that will say which team is better,” said coach Tim Cone, who will call the shots for Team Japeth.

“These are the players you dread playing against. Now, you have them,” shared Team Scottie coach Yeng Guiao.

This will be the first time that Asia’s pioneering pro league will stage the event after being sidetracked by the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Rookie-Sophomore-Juniors game is shaping as an interesting exhibition in itself, with the league’s top prospects getting their time under the sun.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Calvin Oftana, Joshua Munzon, Encho Serrano, Anton Asistio, Tyler Tio, Shaun Ildefonso, brothers Mike and Matt Nieto, along with Aris Dionisio comprise the Stalwarts side that will be coached by Caloy Garcia.

Justin Arana, Ato Ular, Aaron Black, Alynn Bulanadi, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adrian Wong, Jerrick Balanza, RK Ilagan, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Isaac Go make up the Greats crew mentored by Richard del Rosario.

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