More PBA action this April 4-6, 2014, our very own professional basketball players will show off their skills and talent inside the court for 4 days, not just for a basketball game, there will be a set of skill challenge for every player, basketball clinics, hospital visits and then meet and greet with the fans. The PBA All-Star games is an annual event that usually happens outside Manila, an event game for hardcore PBA fans organized every year and then after 11 years, the PBA officials decided to bring the annual game here in Manila and they will be housed by the state of the art and world class SM MOA Arena.
This morning, for the 1st day of PBA All-Star game, we attended the press con of the coaches and players, we heard some info about their preparation and also their excitement for this game, and also in preps to have a match between PBA All-Stars vs. Gilas Pilipinas players, a match that will heat up first before they fly to Spain to compete for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. PBA All-Star game match will toughen up the Gilas players and they need to play dead serious in the game because the PBA All-Stars will give Gilas a hard push to the limit to be defeated, same goes to Gilas players, they should prove that they can win the game.
Starting on April 4, 2014, expect the first skills challenge of selected PBA players, they will battle with other players competing for the best slam dunker, 3 point shooter, buzz beater and hmmm I heard that there will also be a dance contest ( are they serious???), defending champions of the skills challenge – Jonas Villanueva (Air 21), Max Cardona (Air 21), and Chris Ellis (Brgy Ginebra) will be there to defend their throne,
At the 2nd leg of the 2nd day of PBA All-Star game, we will see the battle of the PBA Greats vs. Stalwarts, it’s the senior players vs. the rookies! who do you think will win?
On April 5, there will be more basketball clinics, meet and greet and hospital visits organized by the PBA and SM Cares.
At the last leg of the game event, April 6, 2014 is the much awaited head to head match of two teams – PBA All-Stars vs. Gilas Pilipinas, the game will start on 5pm at the SM MOA Arena.
Photo of the entire PBA team
National team coach Chot Reyes will lead Gilas Pilipinas team composed of
- Jayson Castro, Justin Melton, Gabe Norwood, Ranidel de Ocampo and Junmar Fajardo.
The PBA All-Star team will be under coach Tim Cone and he will lead the players – Mark Barocca, James Yap, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, and Greg Slaughter.
Atty. Chito Salud
Commissioner, PBA
“This is the celebration of the craft of our players, the best of the best of PBA is here, there is no short cut, there is no secret in being the best of the best, it is all hard work, discipline, dedication and all of this stars before you, have those. These players represent the whole league in showing our fans how they embrace their responsibility in playing their best at all times. In part of that is being available to the fans, sharing their time with the fans this weekend, this is the time that our players will give thanks to their fans, as commissioner, I walk tall and I can tell everybody, this is our best, this is our role model to the youth, this is our humble but sincere contribution to our country to make it a better place. “
Ramon Segismundo
Chairmon, PBA Board of Governors
”I am thrill and excited of the PBA All-Star game, I won't need to go to SPain to see Gilas players play in the flesh this Sunday, this is the few times that the public will actually see them, and of course the PBA All-Stars are the best of the best, this will be a good ball game this Sunday, that's why I invite everyone to witness it.
Since 2003, this is the 1st time we are doing it in Manila, this is something special and it is held in a world class facility which is in MOA Arena. This is the 25th edition of the All Star Game, we are 25 years old, this is the fiesta backdrop of the PBA's 48th year next season.
Arnel Gonzales
Business Unit Head, MOA Arena
”We are truly privileged to be part of this PBA All-Stars Weekend, we have to support our Gilas Pilipinas team for their journey to Spain, and also showcasing the craft of our PBA players today, we are fortunate to host the venue and we hope to see you this weekend. “
Coach Tim Cone
Head Coach, PBA All Stars
”I'm thrilled to have a chance to be with this young men, I've been all star coaching through the years, the greatest thrill of that is being able to give the know, touch and witness the players that you always admire in a distance and never get a chance to coach, back in the days of Patrimonio and Meneses, I never get a chance to coach them, but today, I'm coaching Chris, Gregg and etc.
I think our team is here for two reasons, the number 1 reason is the "fans", we really want to show how we play well and represent well infront of the fans, its all about them why we are here, and 2nd this is important, we are here for the Gilas Pilipinas team, we're here to try to get them better, I'm really gonna try to press on our guys that we do something noble and not think about our self or the team, we have to think that they get better in preparation for their trip to Spain. That's our approach for this basketball game. “
You can now buy your tickets at www.smtickets.com , SM Tickets booth/store nationwide in all SM branches or visit the ticket booth at SM MOA Arena.
here are snapshots I took during the press con.
