The battle between school colors takes a backseat today when the NCAA All-Star fires off at The Arena in San Juan City.
The oldest collegiate league in the country will showcase some of its best talents in this one-day affair, which features competitions such as Slam Dunk, Three-Point Shootout, Shooting All-Stars, and Skills Challenge starting at 1 p.m.
Arellano’s Jio Jalalon will spearhead the East squad that also include teammates Kent Salado and Julius Cadavis; University of Perpetual Help’s Bright Akhuetie, Gab Dagangon and AJ Coronel; San Beda’s Davon Potts, Dan Sara, and Donald Tankoua; JRU’s Teytey Teodoro, Paolo Pontejos, and Ervin Grospe; and San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan, Ryan Costelo and Jerick Fabian.
Rey Nambatac of Letran, for his part, will banner the West squad, which has teammate Mcjour Luib and Jomari Sollano; Mapua’s Darell Menina, Andrew Estrella, and Exe Biteng; Lyceum’s Ian Alban, MJ Ayaay, and Wilson Baltazar; Emilio Aguinaldo College’s (EAC) Jorem Morada, Francis Munsayac, and Sidney Onwubere, and College of St. Benilde’s JJ Domingo, Yankie Haruna, and Christian Fajarito.
“This year’s NCAA All-star offers more excitement because we’ve introduced a new pair of events,” said NCAA Management Committee Chairman Jose Mari Lacson.
Last year, the West bested the East, 89-88, with former St. Benilde standout Jonathan Grey and ex-Letran star Mark Cruz delivering clutch plays.
The highlight of the affair will also come in the Slam Dunk Contest, which will feature Onwubere, St. Benilde’s Yankie Haruna, Arellano’s Lervin Flores, JRU’s Kim Aurin, Letran’s Renato Ular, Lyceum’s Jaycee Marcelino, Perpetual’s Rommel Mangalino, San Beda’s Eugene Toba, and San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi.