PBA All-Star returns to Big Dome
For the first time in seven years, the Philippine Basketball Association is bringing the annual PBA All-Star Weekend back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum highlighted by the North versus South All-Star Game on Aug. 7.
The 2016 PBA All-Star Extravaganza is slated Aug. 4-7 in the middle of the PBA Governors Cup elimination play that starts July 15. It’s the first PBA All-Star event under commissioner Chito Narvasa.
Terrence Romeo, the standout in the 2016 All-Star festivities in Puerto Princesa with his Three-Point shootout win and MVP citations in the Rookies-Sophomores Game and in the All-Star Game, this early is tipped to be among the top favorites in the fan voting which is to start soon via online.
The GlobalPort hotshot fired 30 points, including a crucial fourpoint binge at endgame as the North All Stars came from behind to beat their South counterparts, 166-161 – the fourth straight win for the North team under the North-vs-South format of the PBA All-Star Game.
The PBA summer spectacle had been to Digos City, Laoag City, Boracay, Victorias City and Panabo in the previous years. The last time it was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was in 2009, featuring the final leg of Luz-Vi-Min tour pitting the Powerade Phl Team under coach Yeng Guiao versus the PBA All Stars.
The league commissioner, PBA board chairman Robert Non and Uniprom Inc. officials Irene Jose and Sheila Vitug signed the contract yesterday for the return of the PBA All-Star Weekend at the Big Dome.
“We value the partnership of Smart Araneta Coliseum. They’ve been very accommodating and they make us feel very special,” said Narvasa. “They’re giving us full support in the direction we want to take. We want to make this All Stars different from the past. We want to engage with the fans a lot more.”
The PBA and the Big Dome management are teaming up to present meaningful activities that will include numerous outreach programs.
Participants will not only be the PBA All-Stars but also include PBA D-League, PBA women’s 3-on-3 and Batang PBA players.
The PBA considered the hosting bids of Dubai and Bohol but in the end opted to give it to Smart Araneta Coliseum with its interesting program.
The last time the PBA All-Star Weekend was held in Manila was in 2014 over at the MOA Arena featuring Gilas Pilipinas versus the PBA All-Stars. The Nationals prevailed, 101-93, with Gary David going home with the MVP honors.
Last year, Asi Taulava made a record with his 13th participation in the All-Star Game, breaking a tie with Alvin Patrimonio.