Injury takes Raymundo out of All-Star Game

MANILA, Philippines - Sidelined by a knee injury, Kerby Raymundo is skipping the PBA All-Star Game slated April 23-25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Raymundo, who already missed two games with the Derby Aces in the ongoing PBA Fiesta Cup, has earned a starting spot for the North team along with Mark Pingris, JC Intal, Jayjay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi in the annual summer bash.

His recovery may take a while, according to Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio, who will call the shots for the North squad. “There is no timetable for his return,” he said.

Raymundo’s absence paved the way for Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood to start for a team which boasts of height, quickness and shooters.

Also in the team are rookie Rico Maierhofer, Willie Miller, Ranidel de Ocampo, Sol Mercado, Ryan Reyes, Mac Cardona and Arwind Santos.

Kelly Williams, Erik Menk, Asi Taulava, Cyrus Baguio and James Yap, who received the most number of fan votes with 47,156, are the starters for the South Team which won the last meeting in 2008.

Alaska coach Tim Cone will be the man at the helm of South team, which includes Jimmy Alapag, Roger Yap, Reynel Hugnatan, Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss, Joe Devance and Ronald Tubid.

The All-Star Weekend, now on its 21st edition, also features the Rookies vs Sophomore Game, Slam Dunk contest, obstacle course event and the 3-point shootout.

The Rookies are composed of Marcy Arellano, Jervy Cruz, Ogie Menor, Chris Ross, Cris Timberlake, Joshua Urbiztondo, Ronnie Matias and Mike Burtscher.

Beau Belga, Mark Borboran, Jason Castro, Jeff Chan, Bonbon Custodio, Jared Dillinger, Larry Rodriguez and Mark Yee complete the Sophomore roster.