My PBA All Star Ballot (RSJ)

     The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opened the All Star Game voting early and they have also brought back the Veterans versus Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors (RSJ) format.  While I disagree with both decisions, I have cast my ballot for the annual event.  Since the PBA has become a guards' league some two or three years ago, I'm not voting strictly by position.  The 14 slots i will divide by 2 big men, 4 forwards, 4 guards and 4 of any position.


2 Bigs - Japeth Aguilar and Rabeh Al-Husaini

     The PBA is thin in the frontcourt, especially in the RSJ roster.  Aguilar, already the league leader in blocks, should be an automatic choice.  While inconsistent, he has played great, included a 7 block game and making the winning basket and steal in the recent game against Petron.  Plus, his freaky athleticism is showcased best in exhibitions like this one and it will ensure that the crowd will have a good time. Rabeh Al-Husaini is the other obvious choice. While he may be injured now, he should be available by the All Satr Game, and while I usually pick players who prove themselves during the season, the thin list predicates his inclusion. 



4 Forwards - Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter

     If this looks like the forward line up of Smart Gilas, it actually is.  The Gilas boys have brought their game to the pros and they are thriving.  All four have not only become solid players, all have top scored for their teams on multiple occasions.  All four have also shown great versatility and it would help that some, particularly Baracael and Ababou can play bigger on this relatively small squad.


4 Guards - Mark Barroca, Josh Urbiztondo, Jvee Casio and Paul Lee

     The RSJ roster certainly features a lot of point guards and three of them have been fantastic. BMeg guards Urbiztondo and Barroca seem to have picked up Coach Tim Cone's Triangle offense fairly quickly and both have been responsible for a lot of the Llamados' wins in their 7 game winning streak.  Casio, the number 1 overall pick, started slow but has since picked up his game in the Tigers' last 6 games (the last 3 being wins).  He's scored well at over 14 points a game, but more importantly, he has made players like Doug Kramer better with his 5.5 assist per game. As for 2nd overall pick Lee, while he is most times overrated, he does possess a great all around game, especially for a rookie.  His most impressive stat would have to be his assists and by demonstrating his ability to be a playmaker, Lee has ensured himself of a long pro career.

4 of any position - Ronnie Matias, James Sena, RJ Jazul and Sean Anthony

     The RSJ team may feature a bunch of talent, but it significantly drops off after the first 10 players. They do need big guys though so Sena of the Clickers and Matias of the Elastopainters make the grade.  Besides, both have played competently enough to merit spots on the team. They both possess an unexpected quickness and tenacity that serves them well since they are undersized for their positions.  Anthony seems to provide great energy for the Tigers and his recent play suggests a versatility allowing him to play multiple positions, again a boon to a very guard heavy line up.  Jazul has vastly improved in his sophomore year, especially in shooting, probably since he's been given more playing time and freedom on offense.  He does deserve a chance to play.






photos courtey of nuki sabio of pba.ph