THE roster of the All-Star squads competing in the PBA All-Star game in Laoag City has been completed after the eight different coaches named the reserves of the Rookies/Sophomores/Juniors and Veterans teams.
The game that will be staged on May 10-13 will feature rookie sensation Paul Lee and offensive dynamo Gary David, after the duo were named to theri respective teams. The RSJ team of Bo Perasol will also have Mark Barroca, Chris Ross, Japeth Aguilar, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mark Baracael, and Rico Maierhofer.
David meanwhile, leads the Veteran squad of head coach Chot Reyes along with Alex Cabagnot, L.A. Tenorio, Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, Sonny Thoss, and Kelly Williams. Starting for the Veterans will be league MVP James Yap, Mark Caguioa, Arwind Santos, Mark Pingris, and JC Intal,
The RSJ starters will be JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou, and Josh Urbiztondo.
Serving as the main side event of the annual spectacle jointly hosted by the City of Laoag led by Mayor Michael V. Farinas and the province of Ilocos Norte under Gov. Imee Marcos, is the battle between Greats vs. Stalwarts pitting two teams composed of former and current PBA stars.
Leading the Greats are four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Petron head coach Ato Agustin, Alaska assist. coach Jojo Lastimosa, Petron assist. mentor Olsen Racela and Petron team manager Hector Calma, playing alongside two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, Rudy Hatfield, Danny Seigle, Joseph Yeo, Mike Cortez, Sol Mercado and Willie Miller, another two-time MVP.
Powerade team manager Kenneth Duremdes, and assist. coaches Allan Caidic (Ginebra), Pido Jarencio (Petron), Ronnie Magsanoc (Meralco), and Bong Ravena (Talk `N Text) banner Team Stalwarts in partnership with Asi Taulava, Ranidel de Ocampo, Sean Anthony, Peter June Simon, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Cardona, and Cyrus Baguio.
The Greats vs. Stalwarts will be held on May 11, preceding the regular side events — Obstacle Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest. The three-point shootout and the All-Star game is set on May 13. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio