Best of UAAP, NC clash for a cause

The season’s best and brightest — from Adamson’s Ken Bono to San Beda’s Sam Ekwe — will be featured tomorrow in the Bantay Bata 163 All-Stars that will gather the top stars in the UAAP and NCAA at the Philsports Arena.

Bono, the UAAP Most Valuable Player awardee, will lead the varsity pack that includes Mythical First team members Jervy Cruz of victorious UST, JC Intal of Ateneo de Manila, Marvin Cruz of State U and Jeff Chan of Far Eastern U.

On the other hand, Ekwe, the Nigerian 6’8" behemoth who was this year’s rookie MVP for triumphant San Beda will spearhead the NCAA side along with teammate Yousif Aljamal, Jason Castro of PCU, Floyd Dedicatoria of Jose Rizal and Khiel Misa of Perpetual Help.

Pido Jarencio of UST will coach the UAAP selection while Koy Banal of San Beda the NCAA in the match set at 4 p.m.

Preceding the main match is the battle of the best high school players from both leagues set at 2 p.m.

Potit de Vera, who steered the FEU Baby Tams to the finals, will coach the UAAP in lieu of league champion Ateneo coach Jamike Jarin who is in the United States.

Raymond Valenzona of back-to-back NCAA winner San Sebastian High will mentor the other squad. And it’s for a cause.

Proceeds for the one-day event will go to children of Bantay Bata 163, a foundation put up by television giant ABS-CBN to help needy kids.

Other members of the UAAP are Doug Kramer, Macky Escalona of Ateneo, Patrick Cabahug of Adamson, Jonas Villanueva of FEU, Edwin Asoro of National U, Marcy Arellano and Mark Borboran of University of the East and Jojo Duncil and Allan Evangelista of UST.

Completing the NCAA roster are Martin Urra of St. Benilde, Hafer Mondragon of Letran, Jerby del Rosario of Mapua, Ian Garrido of PCU, Alex Angeles, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor and Riego Gamalinda of San Beda and Jim Viray of San Sebastian.

Ateneo will comprise the bulk of the UAAP led by MVP Raymond Austria and Mythical First Team member Mike Gamboa while rookie MVP Elvin Pascual of PCU and Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe of San Sebastian spearheads the NCAA.