Team Japeth eyes repeat
BACOLOD CITY – The league’s biggest stars brace for an actionpacked yet entertaining showdown in the City of Smiles as Team Japeth goes for a back-to-back title, this time against Team Barroca in the 2024 PBA All-stars on Sunday, March 24, here.
Led by team captain Japeth Aguilar and head coach Tim Cone, Team Japeth aims to replicate the squad's All-star success in the last edition in Passi City in Iloilo in the 6:30 p.m. collision at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Out to foil that bid, however, are Mark Barroca and head coach Jorge Gallent of Team
Barroca as they expect another highly competitive affair that will serve as the PBA’S biggest treat to the gentle people of Negros.
Of course, the duel begins even before the formal tip-off as the teams engage for the dance-off crown.
Taking it seriously and to another level is Team Japeth which even hired its own choreographer to make sure they will set the hardcourt on fire with their dance moves.
Team Barroca, on the other hand, has Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva to lead the way, even showing some glimpse of the dance moves during the delegations’ meet-and-greet appearances.
As lighthearted and playful as the dance-off is, the atmosphere will surely turn serious and competitive when both teams give the fans a thrilling and competitive contest.
"Kailangan namin i-defend yung pagkapanalo namin last year. Although iba na yung coach (Coach Jorge Gallent), ita-try namin yung best namin para mag back-toback," said Aguilar during the formal presser for the All-stars last Thursday at the Megaworld The Upper East.
Team Japeth won over Team Scottie,140-136, in a surprisingly competitive affair last year.
"Kami bigay namin 'yung best namin kasi gusto namin mag-compete nga on a high level basketball talaga kasi gusto namin maging special ang All-star sa Bacolod. So yun, ita-try namin yung best namin na manalo sa game,” echoed Barroca.
Team Japeth though suffered some setbacks with Ginebra teammates Christian Standhardinger and Scottie Thompson not available.