Yap embodies resilience, longevity, & a symbol of the sport’s enduring spirit

The upcoming PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod City promises a fresh twist with the introduction of two Long Distance Three-Point Shootouts, a first in the event’s history. The Shootouts, categorized for bigs and guards/wings, will replace the traditional slam dunk contest, injecting new excitement into the program. The action-packed weekend will kick off with the Skills Challenge, followed by the Shootouts before culminating in the Blitz Game between Team Stalwarts and Team Greats, coached by Peter Martin and Patrick Partosa, respectively.

On Sunday, the highly anticipated All-Star Game will feature Team Japeth, led by coach Tim Cone, and Team Mark, under coach Jorge Gallent. The rosters boast top-tier players including June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, CJ Perez, and more, setting the stage for an intense showdown.

The Shootouts promise to be a spectacle, featuring a lineup of sharpshooters from both the bigs and guards/wings categories. Notable contenders include Jason Perkins, June Mar Fajardo, Paul Lee, and defending champion James Yap. Yap, a two-time Shootout king, brings experience and skill to the competition, making him a sentimental favorite despite being the oldest competitor at 42 years old. With a stellar performance last conference, Yap aims to clinch his third championship title in front of his hometown crowd.

However, the competition is fierce, with players like Maverick Ahanmisi, Marcio Lassiter, and Andrei Caracut ready to challenge for the title. The absence of some notable gunners opens up opportunities for others to shine, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. Ultimately, the Shootouts will showcase the talent and precision of the PBA’s finest shooters, promising an electrifying display of long-range shooting prowess.

Sports News: Yap embodies resilience, longevity, & a symbol of the sport’s enduring spirit