THE COUNTRY’S capital is expected to be turned into a hoops hotbed as several NBA superstars including two with MVP awards will compete in an exhibition game against the PBA All Stars and the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas starting today in the event dubbed as the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend here at the Araneta Coliseum.
Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, scoring champion Kevin Durant, reigning MVP Derrick Rose and former Rookie of the Year awardees Chris Paul and Tyreke Evans head the cast that also includes Derek Fisher, James Harden, Javale Mcgee and this year’s second pick in the draft Derrick Williams.
The PBA selection gets first crack at the NBA team today in a game set at 7 p.m. Comprising the PBA selection are James Yap and Marc Pingris of B-Meg; Mark Caguioa and JC Intal of Ginebra; Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Rabeh-Al-Hussaini of Petron; Talk ‘N Text’s Ryan Reyes, Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier; Sonny Thoss and LA Tenorio of Alaska; Danny Seigle fo Air21, Gary David of Powerade, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine and Solomon Mercado of Meralco.
The Nationals have their turn tomorrow at 1 p.m.
The event, the biggest gathering of NBA stars here, is held to raise funds for the eight sports beneficiaries of the MVPSF headed by Al Panlilio. Correspondent Jonas Panerio