Love shows stuff in Master Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love showcases his signature outlet passing skills and three-point shooting prowess as he graces the Master Game Face All-Star Basketball Challenge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The 2012 NBA three-point shootout champion, who arrived Thursday, will strut his wares in the game’s opening and halftime shows. The 6-10 power forward will also slug it out with some of the PBA’s best shooters as well as display his patented moves alongside slamdunkers from the US.

The fast-rising NBA superstar, along with Master Game Face All-Star skippers Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris, also conducted a basketball clinic among 60 youngsters at the Manila Boystown in Marikina City yesterday.

The troika taught the kids basic fitness and basketball fundamentals while showing their signature moves to the delight of the participants. Love also gave away autographed basketballs and caps.

Love, Tiu and Pingris later took part in a charity auction at the Fairmont Makati Hotel to benefit the Manila Boystown and its sports program. Items auctioned were autographed jerseys, shoes, basketball as well as Smart Gilas book and Kevin Love basketball cards.

Love’s opening and halftime shows will spice up the head-to-head match-up between Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu and San Mig Coffee’s Marc Pingris and their respective teams beefed up by some of the top players from the PBA, UAAP and NCAA.

Making up Team Chris are collegiate stars Jeron Teng, Chris Newsome, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Rome dela Rosa, Mark Cruz and Zach Nichols with pros Ranidel de Ocampo, Jeff Chan, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Jeric Teng and Alex Nuyles as reinforcements.

Team Marc  will be composed of collegiate standouts Andre Paras, Jeoffrey Javillonar, Jericho Cruz, Roi Sumang, Baser Amer, Kevin Racal and Josan Nimes with support from pros Gary David, Mark Barroca, Mike Cortez, Jared Dillinger, Cliff Hodge and Paul Artadi.

In the NBA 2013-14 regular season, Love put on a career-high 26.1-point norm, dished an average 4.4 assists and grabbed 12.5 rebounds. He also became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 900 rebounds and 100 three-pointers in a single season.

Tickets to the Master Game Face All Star Basketball Challenge are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide. For details, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.