All-Star slam dunk misses Canaleta

MANILA, Philippines - Four-time champion KG Canaleta is out, but Kelly Williams and Gabe Norwood will both return to take a shot at a second slamdunk crown in the 2011 PBA All-Star Week set May 18-22 in Boracay.

Another Fil-Am slamdunk artist in Jay Washington is also entered in the contest, among the side events ushering in the PBA Blitz Game (Rookies vs Sophomores) scheduled Friday at the Boracay Convention Center.

Two former collegiate slamdunk champions in Rey Guevarra and Elmer Espiritu also bring their act in the Friday event, keeping excitement in the keenly followed jamming session even in the absence of Canaleta.

Ginebra high-flyers JC Intal and Ronald Tubid also join the contest, adding appeal and dazzle to one of the most interesting side events in the league’s annual summer spectacle sponsored by Coca-Cola, Meralco, Alta Vista Boracay, Talk N’ Text Puma and Maynilad.

It could well be an exciting wide-open battle helping set the tone for the whole All-Star festivities highlighted by the All-Star Game Sunday also at the Boracay Convention Center.

 Guevarra and Espiritu won titles in the UAAP-NCAA All-Stars, and basketball watchers didn’t discount the possibility of the two rookies upstaging the veterans.

Norwood and Williams are, of course, the odds-on picks, being former PBA All-Star slamdunk kings.

The Rain or Shine stalwart ruled the contest during his rookie year in 2009, topping a field that included Canaleta.

Williams, the 2008 champion, wasn’t able to defend his crown then due to the blood disorder problem he battled for months.

The three-point shootout and obstacle course are the other skills event on tap during the All-Star Friday.

Mark Macapagal defends his three-point shooting title while Jonas Villanueva will be out to repeat as obstacle course champ in this PBA All Stars also supported by Smart, Accel, Molten, Islander, Rain or Shine and Powerade.