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 - Sonny Thoss and Kelly Williams
While Alaska had their worst conferences in years (maybe a decade), the good thing that has emerged has been Thoss' game. Thoss has established his post game and made himself a reliable scorer and his rebounding and defense has come around as well. New Aces coach Joel Banal has given Thoss more touches and he has responded with an All Star performance. Williams, meanwhile, has been the Texters' pillar of strength. As injuries beset Talk and Text, Williams has scored, rebounded, defended and even brought the ball down the floor for the defending champs. As much as people talk about Jimmy Alapag being the leader, Williams has shown up to be the team's heart and soul.
4 Forwards - Arwind Santos, Marc Pingris, James Yap and Doug Kramer
The veterans have a tremendous forward line up, all versatile and all playing well. Yap, as usual, has been the go-to-guy for the Llamados and it seems he was correct when he said the triangle offense would benefit him. He continues to score well, but he seems less tired and he looks a lot more efficient. Kramer has become miles better than he was in college and as an undersized center in the PBA, has developed a great rebounding game and a reliable jumper up to 18 feet and his pick and roll game with JVee Casio has turned into a great weapon for the Tigers. Pingris has continued to be the consummate energy guy for the Llamados and the triangle offense did nothing to hamper his style. His rebounding and ability to guard player from 3 different positions makes him one of the league's best defenders today. Santos, meanwhile, is making a strong case for MVP this early. In a fantasy stat game he would be the consensus top pick, among the league leaders in rebounds and blocks, Santos scores well, defends well too. He must be the first pick in everyone's All Star Ballot.
4 Guards - Alex Cabagnot, Mark Caguioa, Gary David and Willie Miller
When I talk about the PBA being a guards league, these four guys are some prime examples. All four have shown tremendous ability to score from everywhere and all have scored some of their teams' biggest points, including game winners. What has made all 4 of them (and their teams) better this year, though, is their re-commitment to their passing game. Their playmaking skills have actually made them more efficient scorers and their teams more fluid in offense. All four deserve to start the game, let alone be in the line up.
4 of any position - Danny Seigle, Mark Cardona, L.A. Tenorio and Mike Cortez
Seigle has experienced a re-birth of sorts and his post game is still on. Very few players play the post game well enough in the PBA and Seigle's has made the Energy a team the top seeds want to avoid. Cardona and Tenorio have been hampered by injuries, but both have come back and renewed their positions as their team's main man. Apart from the scoring, both have the shown the ability to will their teams to be better, a mark of true All Stars. Cortez, while maybe a surprise for some, shouldn't be. His shift into more of a scorer's role in the Kings has rekindled his passion and ability to score. His jumper and three point shooting have become more reliable and he continues to pass the ball well too. As much as other names are being touted as Caguioa's partner, Cortez is the real wing man this year. He deserves a spot in the ballot as well.
photos courtesy of pba.ph
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