North-South showdown on

BORACAY , Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association’s brightest stars finally take center stage in the 2011 Hala Bola! All-Star Week today, each one looking to put a fitting climax to what has been a grand spectacle here.

It’s been a great week that could well end on a high note with both the North and the South All Stars promising a game to remember.

The North squad, led by starters Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller and LA Tenorio under All-Star rookie coach Ato Agustin, will be out to repeat their 133-132 decision over the South team last year in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Game time is at 6:30 p.m. at the Boracay Eco-Village and Convention Center, succeeding the Legends Shootout pitting the trio of Mark Macapagal, Ronald Tubid and Jimmy Alapag versus PBA greats Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio and Ato Agustin.

Another side event is the Creality Race presented by Puma and L Timestudio watches, featuring some PBA players and officials. It’s the kickoff stage of what will become an annual adventure race, patterned after the Amazing Race.

Pingris and Kelly Williams both made a bold prediction that their team would win the All-Star Game.

Miller and Jay Washington, meanwhile, expect lots of fun and highlight stuffs in the first three quarters then a serious battle in the final period.

“You win the game and you have the bragging rights for the next 12 months,” said Miller. “We can’t afford to lose or we can’t hear the last from Asi Taulava and Eric Menk.”

Menk, Washington, Williams, James Yap and Cyrus Baguio compose the South starting unit under coach Chot Reyes. Their reserves are Taulava, Jimmy Alapag, PJ Simon, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle, Joe Devance and Sonny Thoss.

“We’re gonna win it. We have all the big guys. We’ll just put the ball on Asi (Taulava) against Ping (Marc Pingris), and that’s it,” said Williams, making a dig at Pingris during the pre-All Star Game press conference held at an Alta Vista de Boracay lawn with the breath-taking view of the Boracay scenery.

Pingris had a ready answer.

“You know me guys. I take on imports on defense. I can play physical. Hopefully, we’re spared of fines in this game,” said Pingris, drawing cheers from both sides.

“We’ll definitely defend our crown,” said Miller, then wisecracked Tenorio will take care of everything for them.

Tenorio is a first-time All-Star player named as Mark Caguioa’s replacement in the North starting five. Tapped in at the last minute as North’s 12th man is JC Intal.

Other players coming off the bench for the North team are Macmac Cardona, Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey, Arwind Santos, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Alex Cabagnot.

“I’m probably the player most excited about the game since it’s my first All-Star. Hopefully, we can win it,” said Tenorio.

“We’re all very excited to play. It’s been a great week here in Bora. An icing on the cake is this Sunday game,” said Washington.

On Friday, Williams reclaimed the slamdunk crown, Mark Macapagal and Jonas Villanueva retained their three-point shootout and obstacle challenge titles, respectively, and the Rookie upstaged the Sophomores, 114-109, in the Blitz Game.

 Rob Labagala produced 25 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal while Sean Anthony logged 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to share MVP honors in the Blitz Game.

The PBA All-Star Week is presented by Smart, Accel, Molten, Islander, Rain or Shine and Powerade and sponsored by Coca-Cola, Meralco, Alta Vista de Boracay, Talk n Text, Puma and Maynilad.