BACOLOD – Team captains Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar promise a competitive PBA All-Star Game as the league’s delegation arrived in the ‘City of Smiles’ on Thursday to begin the weekend festivities.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial led the league’s delegation that touched down in the Negros Occidental capital, which is hosting the midseason classic for the second time in league history.
Benitez offers incentive to winning team
Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez formally welcomed the PBA delegation through a lunch at the city hall, saying he looks forward to an exciting weekend of action highlighted by the All-Star Game on Sunday at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
“Not only would you bring smiles to the city. I’m sure you’ll bring a very exciting game that we will be anticipating this Saturday and Sunday,” said Benitez during a separate press conference after the luncheon.
Benitez didn’t reveal the incentive but Barroca hinted that it’s another reason for them to play a competitive game during the weekend.
“Sa amin, siyempre may extra motivation kami kasi kinausap kami ni Mayor,” said Barroca, the leading vote-getter for the PBA All-Star Bacolod.
“Siyempre, gusto rin naming manalo at ibigay ang best namin. Gusto naming mag-compete talaga ng high-level basketball dahil gusto naming maging special ‘yung All-Star sa Bacolod. Ita-try namin ang best namin na manalo sa game,” said Barroca, whose team is coach by San Miguel’s Jorge Gallent.
Aguilar eyes repeat win
Aguilar also wants to win and repeat after he captured last year’s All-Star Game in Passi, Iloilo with a 140-136 victory over Team Scottie.
“Kailangan naming i-defend ‘yung pagkapanalo namin last year. Ita-try naming ‘yung best namin na mag-back-to-back,” said Aguilar, whose squad will now be handled by his coach at Barangay Ginebra in Tim Cone.
Aguilar though will no longer have Barangay Ginebra teammate and top All-Star draft pick Christian Standhardinger due to an illness. Being a late scratch, Standhardinger’s spot will no longer be filled.
Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra and Tyler Tio of Phoenix have also been replaced on Team Japeth by Aris Dionisio of Magnolia and Roger Pogoy of TNT, respectively, due to injuries.
The weekend will also feature the Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors game between Team Greats and Team Stalwarts on Saturday.
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