MANILA, Philippines — Solid North coach Leo Austria will enjoy a loadful of big men that he can alternate to try to contain June Mar Fajardo, who will banner the Solid South team under coach Chot Reyes as the PBA All-Star weekend will be held on March 6-8 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, the leading vote getter for the North squad, along with Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero, as well as Converge’s twin towers Justine Baltazar, and Justin Arana banner the beefy front court of Austria.
The massive size gives Austria the advantage in trying to control the paint against the South All-Star team that will be built around Fajardo, the PBA’s nine-time Most Valuable Player.
The PBA officially released the complete 12-man roster of the two All-Star squad over the weekend which will serve as the main event for the mid-season festivities.
Joining Aguilar in the starting five for the North are Calvin Abueva, now of Converge, SMB wingman CJ Perez, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt, and FiberXers rookie Juan Gomez De Liano.
On the other hand, joining Fajardo at the South’s starting unit as voted by fans, are Ginebra’s backcourt duo of Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos, TNT’s Calvin Oftana, and NLEX’s Robert Bolick.
The remaining members of the two All-Star teams were selected by the 12 PBA coaches, with Baltazar and Converge teammate Arana, along with Lucero ending up with the Solid North.
Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum, Meralc: Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino, as well as SMB’s Don Trollano complete the North All-Stars.
Meanwhile, completing the cast for Solid South are TNT gunner Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac, NLEX’s JB Bahio, ROS forward Leonard Santillan and Caelan Tiongson, Converge guard Alec Stockton, as well as San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz.