(PBA image)
All eyes will be on the paint when the PBA All-Star festivities roll into Candon City, Ilocos Sur from March 6 to 8, as June Mar Fajardo anchors a loaded Solid South squad against a North side stacked with size and firepower.
The burning question heading into the marquee showdown: Can four of the league’s premier big men slow down the most dominant center of his generation?
Solid North coach Leo Austria will have no shortage of options. Japeth Aguilar, Zavier Lucero, Justine Baltazar, and Justin Arana form a formidable frontline rotation tasked with containing the 6-foot-10 Fajardo, whose presence alone tilts the balance in any game he plays. But stopping the multi-time MVP is easier said than done, especially in an All-Star setting where pace, space, and highlight plays rule the day.
The league has unveiled the full 12-man rosters for both teams, and the matchups promise fireworks.
Aguilar earned a starting nod for Solid North after topping the fan vote, joining Calvin Abueva, CJ Perez, Stephen Holt, and rookie sensation Juan Gomez de Liano in the opening unit. It’s a mix of athleticism, scoring punch, and youthful energy that could turn the contest into a track meet.
On the other side, Fajardo leads the fan-picked starters for Solid South alongside Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Calvin Oftana, and Robert Bolick. The group blends playmaking brilliance with perimeter sniping and interior dominance — a balanced attack capable of overwhelming opponents in waves.
The remaining roster spots were filled by the league’s 12 head coaches, adding further intrigue to the North-South rivalry.
Baltazar, Arana, and Lucero bolster the North’s interior depth, while Adrian Nocum, Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, and Don Trollano round out a lineup built for speed and versatility.
The South, meanwhile, surrounds Fajardo with an explosive support crew featuring Roger Pogoy, JB Bahio, Leonard Santillan, Alec Stockton, Caelan Tiongson, Rey Nambatac, and Jericho Cruz — a collection of scorers and defensive stoppers ready to feed off their superstar centerpiece.
With pride, regional bragging rights, and fan adoration on the line, the All-Star clash shapes up as more than just an exhibition. It’s a showcase of the league’s present and future — and a stage where giants will battle for supremacy above the rim.