The PBA All Star game this year takes place in Davao from May 2 to 4, with the All Star voting starting last February 5. This year’s All Star game format returns to classic “Veterans versus RSJ” (Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors) where each team is composed of 12 players.
Which players deserve to participate in this event? Here are picks:
VETERANS: Alec Stockton (Converge)
Stockton became the leader in the young and talented Converge FiberXers this season as during the Governor’s Cup, they almost eliminated the mighty San Miguel Beermen during the quarterfinals. This Commissioner’s Cup, they also forced Rain or Shine Elastopainters into sudden death in the quarterfinals as well.
He averages 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6 assists, 0.9 steals, while shooting 82% from the Free Throw line, 40% from the 3 and has a 43% Field Goal shooting in all the 15 games he played in the Commissioner’s Cup.
VETERANS: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen)
It is so hard to have an All Star game without having a guy who has won the regular-season MVP, championship, and Finals MVP multiple times in his career. Even though SMB failed to make the playoffs this season, “The Kraken” still recorded great numbers.
This conference he averaged 20 PPG, 16 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1 BPG and is shooting 72% from the charity stripe, 33% from beyond the arc and 54% FG all in 12 games.
VETERANS: Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra)
I may sound weird but Scottie is now a veteran in the league. He played so long that he’s now won multiple titles, won a Finals MVP and regular-season MVP. As Ginebra faces the TNT Tropang Giga in the Comm’s Cup Finals, Scottie is a guaranteed All Star starter this year.
In the 20 games he played, he averaged 11.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 67% FT, 38.4% 3PA and 55.8% FG.
VETERANS: Arvin Tolentino (Northport)
A clear frontrunner of the Best Player of the Conference award for the #1 seeded Northport Batang Pier this conference, it’s blasphemous not to have him in the All Star game at Davao.
He carried the Batang Pier up until the Semis. They may have been eliminated by Ginebra after 5 games but he still averaged 20.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1 BPG, 77% FT, 28.3% 3PA, 43.9% FG in 18 games.
VETERANS: RR Pogoy (TNT)
Being the best local scorer when you won the title last conference means a lot. Replicating that performance and reaching the Finals again and potentially win back to back titles this Commissioner’s Cup? You have to play at the All Star game for sure.
After playing 18 games, RR averaged 13 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1 SPG, 75% FT, 31.8% 3PA and 42% FG
RSJ: Justine Baltazar (Converge)
Even though he joined in late, the number one overall pick from this year’s draft has to be playing in the RSJ squad.
Balti still balled out this season giving the FiberXers the much needed depth the Big Man department as he and Justine Arana we’re able to help their squad become the #3 seed.
RSJ: RJ Abarrientos (Ginebra)
You can guarantee that the #3 overall pick of this year’s draft will be the leading vote getter for the Rookie-Sophomores-Juniors team.
Carrying the surname of his iconic Uncle, Johnny Abarrientos, who’s a legend in the PBA, RJ became the solid 6th Man for the crowd favorite Ginebra squad as they try to win the Commissioner’s cup title.
RJ averages 13 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1 SPG, 90.7% FT, 42.6% 3PA and 47% FG through 20 games.
RSJ: Sedrick Barefield (Blackwater)
The All Star game is all about highlights, right? Flashy crossovers, instant scoring outbursts, insane layups, the #2 overall pick from this year’s draft got it all.
Yes his team sucks so bad, but that doesn’t mean Barefield won’t put on a show come Sunday at Davao. He averaged 20.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 78.9% FT, 26% 3PA and 42.5% FG.
RSJ: Zavier Lucero (Magnolia)
I certainly believe that this 2nd year player from De La Salle University would be the replacement for Ian Sanggalang once he retires. Lucero has battled injuries throughout this season but in the Commissioner’s Cup, he still recorded some decent numbers.
In 13 games, he averaged 13.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 BPG, 89% FT, 40% 3PA and 50% FG as he helped the Magnolia Hotshots reach the playoffs.
RSJ: Caelan Tiongson (Rain or Shine)
Aside from being famously linked to the P-pop idol, Bini Aiah, this 32-year-old rookie got game and is definitely an “All Star worthy” type player.
After helping Rain or Shine reach the Semifinals the 2nd time this season, his conference averages are 7.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2 APG, 55% FT, 29% 3PA, 41% FG.
These are my players whom I believe have earned their spot to play in this year’s All Star Game. So how about you, who are the players that you want to see come May 4 at Davao?
