THE Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors (RSJ) vs. Veterans format will make a comeback, and a game featuring Mindanao players will be staged to spice up the 2025 PBA All-Star that will be hosted by Davao Del Norte from May 2 to 4.
The RSJ vs. Veterans match will serve as the All-Star Game and the highlight of the weekend on May 4, replacing the shortlived format of the top two vote-getters serving as team captains and drafting their respective players and coaches.
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Spicing things up in the All-Star Weekend will be a match-up among players from Mindanao which will be played on May 2.
“Ang daming players ng Mindanao, nasa 20 to 24 players. Paglalaruin natin sabay para makita ng mga tiga-Mindanao,” said Marcial.
Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra and Mark Barroca of Magnolia are expected to be shoo-ins to the all-Mindanaoan game. Thompson, who traces his roots to Padada, Davao Del Sur, and Barroca, from Zamboanga City, were captains in the 2023 and 2024 All-Star Games, respectively, both losing to Team Japeth Aguilar.
Marcial said those playing in the Mindanao selection could also be seeing action in the main All-Star match.
Marcial said they are looking to institutionalize this format when the All-Star Weekends go to Luzon and Visayas.
“Gagawin na natin ‘yun para masiyahan ‘yung mga tiga-Mindanao,” said Marcial.
The RSJ vs. Veterans format returns after 13 years. The Veterans defeated RSJ, 176-144, in 2012 in Laoag City with James Yap of B-Meg winning the MVP.
The traditional skills challenges will also be held, with the PBA studying ways to make it different from previous All-Star Weekends.
This year’s All-Star Weekend is hosted by Davao Del Norte governor Gov. Edwin Jubahib.
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