MPBL All-Star event lineups revealed

“Manood, ma-excite at manalo! #MPBLAllStar2019” (Photo: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League/Facebook)

Founding owner of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Senator Manny Pacquiao has officially announced the participants in the slam dunk competition, three-point shootout, and North versus South division games that will be happening on Saturday, March 2 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

According to the initial rules, for the list of players on both North and South division teams, only the starting five will be based on fan vote, while the remainder is dependent on the discretion of the coach. San Juan Knights’ Mike Ayonayon, who will also be his team’s representative for the slam dunk contest, topped the polls with a total of 2,086 votes, and will be beginning the games with Bataan Risers’ Gary David, Pasig Pirates’ Mac Andaya, Manila Stars’ Aris Dionisio, and Makati Super Crunch’s Cedric Ablaza.

For the South division, Allan Mangahas received the most votes and is part of the starting lineup with celebrity basketball player Gerald Anderson representing the Marikina Shoemasters, Mark Yee representing the Davao Occidental Tigers, Gab Banal representing the Bacoor Strikes, and Jhaymo Eguilos representing Batangas City.

Team North is headed by Bataan’s head coach Jojo Lastimosa and assisted by Makati’s head coach Cholo Villanueva, while Team South is led by Davao Occidental Tigers’ head coach Don Dulay with assistant coach Jack Azcueta of the Muntinlupa Cagers guiding on the side.

For the rest of his lineup, 10-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star member Coach Jolas chose Valenzuela Classic’s Paolo Hubalde, Caloocan Supremos’ Almond Vosotros, Quezon City Capitals’ Jay Collado, Mandaluyong El Tigre’s Gian Abrigo, Pasay Voyagers’ Jaypee Belencion, Bulacan Kuyas’ JR Taganas, Pampanga Lanterns’ Levi Hernandez, and Navotas Clutch’s Marlon Gomez.

Completing his South Division roster, Coach Don selected Patrick Cabahug of the Cebu City Sharks, Jojo Tangkay of the Basilan Steel, Marco Balagtas of the Rizal Crusaders, Reed Juntilla of the Zamboanga Family Brand Sardines, Ian Melencio of the Imus Bandera, Michael Mabulac of the Laguna Krah Heroes, Paolo Castro of the Parañaque Patriots, and Chris Masaglang of the General Santos City Warriors.

Both coaches excited players further as they agreed on wild-card picks for their teams – the North side choosing Manila Stars’ Chris Bitoon and San Juan Knights’ Larry Rodriguez, while Davao Occidental Tigers’ Leo Najorda and Batangas City Tanduay Athletics’ Jeff Viernes made the cut for Team South.