ANTIPOLO CITY – Tyler Tio’s loss is Roger Pogoy’s gain.
The TNT guard will take the place of the injured Phoenix playmaker in the PBA All-Star Game set March 24 at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium in Bacolod City.
Tio is out with a grade 2 ankle sprain and won’t be able to play for at least a month.
"Hindi na ako makakalaro (sa All Star)," said Tio after Phoenix's 100-85 loss to Rain or Shine Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Pogoy replaces Tio after receiving the most number of fan votes outside of the 24 players selected by fans.
It will be the fourth All-Star appearance for the 31-year-old TNT gunner as he suits up for Team Japeth.
With Pogoy in Team Japeth are Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, Stanley Pringle, and Terrence Romeo.
Team Japeth will clash with Team Barroca in the All-Star game on March 24 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Tio is likewise going to be replaced in the three-point shootout among guards, his place to be taken by rookie teammate Ken Tuffin.
Another member of Team Japeth who is in the injury list is Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson, who is out with a back problem. The league has yet to name a replacement for the former league MVP, but is likely to join the entourage in Bacolod.
Injured rookies Keith Datu (MCL sprain) of Rain or Shine and San Miguel’s Kyt Jimenez (arm laceration) are also not going to Bacolod. No. 2 overall pick Christian David will take over the spot of Datu, while Jimenez’s replacement has yet been named especially since he serves as captain of Team Stalwarts under coach Peter Martin.
Datu, who was originally listed to participate in the Obstacle Challenge and the Long Distance Three-Point shootout among bigs, will be replaced in the Skills Challenge by Rain or Shine teammate Leonard Santillan.
David is teaming up with top overall pick Stephen Holt, Adrian Nocum, Kim Aurin, JM Calma, Joshua Munzon, Santillan, Anton Asistio, John Amores, Fran Yu, and Keith Zaldivar for Team Stalwarts.
Team Greats led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser takes on Team Stalwarts on March 23 at the same venue.
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