PBA All-Star festivities start

PUERTO PRINCESA , Philippines  – The 2010 PBA All-Star Week gathers easily the strongest field ever in the slam-dunk competition, promising a blast right at the start of All-Star festivities at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum here today.

KG Canaleta, Kelly Williams and Gabe Norwood finally meet together in the slam dunk contest, joined in by young high-flyers Rico Maierhofer and JC Intal. Jarred Dillinger is in the list of participants but it is doubtful whether he can compete due to an injury.

Norwood guns for back-to-back championships, Williams tries to reclaim the title he failed to defend last year while Canaleta returns for a crack at a fourth crown.

James Yap goes for a second straight win in the three-point shootout which also features a high-powered cast including former winners Jimmy Alapag (2003 and 2005), Ronald Tubid (2004), Dondon Hontiveros (2007) and Renren Ritualo (2008).

The All-Star Friday proceedings start at 5 p.m. with the Obstacle Challenge to be participated in by defending champion Paul Artadi, former winner Willie Miller, Sol Mercado, Cyrus Baguio, Chris Ross, Josh Urbiztondo, Jason Castro, Ronjay Buenafe, Jojo Duncil and Jonas Villanueva.

Capping the day is the Rookies versus Sophomores Blitz Game at 7:30 p.m.

The rookies, to be handled by coach George Gallent, are Ross, Urbiztondo, Mike Burtscher, Ogie Menor, Marcie Arellano, Chris Timberlake and Ronnie Matias. They are up against sophomores Dillinger, Castro, Bonbon Custodio, Mark Borboran, Beau Belga, Jeff Chan, Mark Yee and Larry Rodriguez playing under coach Luigi Trillo.

“Once again, the best of Philippine basketball showcase their vast talents and skills in playing the game that millions of Filipinos in the country and abroad love with passion,” said commissioner Sonny Barrios upon arrival of the PBA delegation in this famed city in a forest.

“The city of Puerto Princesa takes pride in hosting the 2010 PBA All-Star Week. We are truly honored to experience this outstanding basketball event,” said Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Canaleta said he’s prepared a new trick, which he hopes could give him the championship in addition to three previous ones he won in 2005-2007.

“This is a very tough field. One has to be creative and there’s no room for mistake,” said Canaleta.

“Kelly (Williams) and JC (Intal) weren’t there last year. Their presence now decreases my chances of retaining the title,” said Norwood, the slam dunk king in Manila last year.