Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA, Philippines – Former PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap and his Derby Ace team mate Mark Pingris continue to lead the balloting for the league’s All-Star Game.

According to PBA.ph, Yap remains to be the top preference of basketball fans for the April 22-25 spectacle in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Yap has so far received 39,962 votes, the highest among the 10 leading players that will compose the First 5 of the North and South squads.

Thus, the Derby Ace shooting guard is already guaranteed a starting slot for the South.

Pingris, meanwhile, runs second in the over-all number of votes with 29,538, which virtually gives him a sport for the North’s starting 5.

Local fans have until April 4 to vote for their favorite players for the All-Star Game through the voting booths available at the playing venue (Araneta Coliseum) or online at www.pba.ph.

Also likely to be included in the South team are Barangay Ginebra’s Cyrus Baguio (20,012 votes) and Erik Menk (23,158), Derby Ace’s Roger Yap (18,202), Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams (27,554), and Coca-Cola’s Asi Taulava (21,476). Still in the running is another Derby Ace, Rafi Reavis (18,206).

Pingris is likely to be joined by teammates Kerby Raymundo (27,128), Rico Maierhofer (20,546), and Paul Artadi (20,950); Barangay Ginebra’s JC Intal (23,868) and JayJay Helterbrand (23,296). Still looking to break through is Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa (15,420).

• ABS-CBN News
• Philippine Sports Central