MPBL announces details of upcoming All-Star game

FILE: In order to choose the 13 players per team, MPBL fans will have the opportunity to vote for their starting five through an online poll that begins on February 16 and ends on March 9. (Photo: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League/Facebook)

Weeks after returning back to the Philippines from his victory against Adrien Broner last January 19, founding owner of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) boxer-turned-politician Senator Manny Pacquiao has announced the details of this season’s All-Star game.

Among the prizes of the event, which will be happening in March at the Mall of Asia Arena, are P500,000 for the winning team, P50,000 for the head coach, and P30,000 for the assistant coach.

The head coach of the team from the South Division is Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife’s Don Dulay, where he will be backed up by either Al Vergara of the Muntinlupa Cages, Ramon Pido of the General Santos City Warriors, or Mac Tan of the Batangas City Tanguay Athletics. As for the team representing the North division, they will either be headed by Jojo Lastimosa of the Bataan Risers, Philip Cezar of the Manila Stars, Cholo Villanueva of the Makati Super Crunch, or Randy Alcantara of the San Juan Knights. Currently, Coach Jojo Lastimosa is top in ranking.

In order to choose the 13 players per team, MPBL fans will have the opportunity to vote for their starting five through an online poll that begins on February 16 and ends on March 9. The starting five is to be composed of two guards, two forwards, and one center. For the remaining eight players, the head coaches will call the shots.

Among some of the other features of the event are the Long Distance Three-Point Shootout, the Slam Dunk Competition, and the 2-Ball Challenge, where prizes will be given to the winners. For the fans who purchase Patron, Lower Box, and Upper Box tickets, they will automatically have the chance to win a brand new car and 26 motorcycles during the event.