All-Star features NCAA season’s best

MANILA, Philippines - MVP Scottie Thompson of Perpetual Help banners the cream of the NCAA crop showcasing their wares in the All-Star Game on Friday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Thompson, expected to go high in the PBA rookie draft pick this Sunday, will lead the East team that also includes players from reigning five-peat champion San Beda, Arellano University, Jose Rizal U, San Sebastian and Perpetual.

Letran’s high-scoring troika of Kevin Racal, Mark Cruz and Rey Nambatac will spearhead the West squad along with the top players from St. Benilde, Lyceum, Mapua and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

To spice up the 4 p.m. showdown are the three-point shootout and slam dunk competition slated at 2 p.m.

The league will also announce the top three Ms. NCAA winners today.

The inaugural All-Star Game last year proved to be a smashing success, prompting league Management Committee chair Melchor Divina of Mapua to announce that the event will now be an annual affair.

“It was a success last year and we expect more success and excitement this year,” said Divina.

Joining Thompson in the East squad are Arellano’s Jio Jalalon, Jose Rizal’s Tey Teodoro, San Beda’s Arthur dela Cruz, San Sebastian’s Bradwyn Guinto and Perpetual Help’s Nigerian star Bright Akhuetie.

The West, on the other hand, will also have St. Benilde’s Jonathan Grey, EAC’s Sydney Onwubere, Lyceum’s Joseph Gabayni and Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme.

St. Benilde’s Travis Jonson will defend the three-point shootout title he won by beating Jose Rizal’s Philip Paniamogan last year. This year’s challengers include Letran’s Mark Cruz, Mapua’s Exeqiel Biteng, Lyceum’s Wilson Baltazar, San Sebastian’s Ryan Costelo and Jose Rizal’s Paolo Pontejos.