The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
THE PBA All-Star teams for the 50th Season are continuing to take shape as their coaches have been determined.
Chot Reyes is set to handle the South squad, while Leo Austria is calling the shots for the Northern All-Stars in the midseason showcase from March 6 to 8 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Candon City Mayor Eric Singson determined the tasks of the champion coaches on Wednesday night, making the blind pick and choosing the South All-Star team for Reyes, leaving the Northern side for Austria.
Singson traveled five hours from Candon to be at the Mall of Asia Arena for the formal contract signing with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial at the half of Game Four of the Philippine Cup Finals that TNT eventually won over San Miguel.
Candon is hosting the return of the All-Star format to the renowned North vs South game, and the Rookies/Sophomores vs Juniors, while there will also be the usual Three-point Shootout, two Obstacle Challenges for the big men and guards, and Shooting Stars event that will feature four mayors taking part.
“It will be the biggest one (sports event) not only in Candon, but the whole province; I think the whole Region I, since this is the 50th anniversary of the PBA, at the same time All-Star Game,” Singson said.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforst, the PBA is refurbishing two barangay basketball courts, repainted by Rain or Shine, to be turned over to the city, while the All-Stars will also grace a campus tour, and lead a tree-planting project.
There will also be basketball clinics, as well as clinics for coaches and referees.
While June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar led the All-Star voting, Calvin Abueva emerged as the most popular All-Star that Ilokanos want to see in a separate vote among 22 municipalities in Ilocos.
The PBA is also talking to four league legends to make an appearance in the All-Star weekend.
“iniimbitahan po namin kayo sa All-Star sa Candon nitong March. Magkikita-kita tayo,” Marcial said.