Who should make the PBA All-Star team reserves?

Levi Verora

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The 2014 PBA All-Star game starters have been named by voters nationwide. Now it's time to ask, who joins them in the titanic duel against Gilas Pilipinas on April 6?

BACK UP ALL-STARS. Ginebra's Mark Caguioa (L) and Alaska's Sonny Thoss (R) round out this writer's picks for the All-Star reserves. Photos by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – The 2014 PBA All-Star game starters have been named by voters nationwide. Now it’s time to ask, who joins them in the titanic duel against Gilas Pilipinas on April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena?

Greg Slaughter, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca and James Yap are the starters for this year’s edition of the annual spectacle, and joining them are seven more players who will battle toe to toe with the national squad.

And while the all star game is all about the fun, excitement and showtime, it also aims to give Gilas Pilipinas a good tune-up match so selecting competitive players will make it a better match-up. I picked PBA stars who are up for the challenge but at the same time, could give the fans an exciting treat worth remembering.

Who deserves a spot in the all star crew? We have our choices below.

Frontcourt

Sonny Thoss, Alaska Aces

A former Gilas 2 member, Thoss mainly carries the Alaska Aces this year with his numbers of 14.5 PPG and 8.6 RPG in over 35 minutes. The 6-foot-7 behemoth is still a huge presence down the post, and for this match he should give Marcus Douthit and June Mar Fajardo a tough time.

Jay Washington, Globalport Batang Pier

Washington placed 5th in the statistical race for the PBA Philippine Cup best player race, and is a terrific stretch forward. Having him go up against Gilas’ forwards like Marc Pingris and Japeth Aguilar will be a great stuff to see.

KG Canaleta, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

The last in the frontcourt is Canaleta, who has the touch from outside and also has the size to get boards and defend inside. His main task would be keep up with shooters like Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan.

Backcourt

Joseph Yeo, Air21 Express

Yeo had a sensational PH Cup for Express, sliding to the converted point guard role to put up big numbers: at least 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per outing whidh are all career high averages. He also notched his first triple-double to cap off what has been a splendid season so far. He’s been an all star just once and he deserves another call up for sure.

Sol Mercado, San Miguel Beermen

A former Gilas 2 member himself, Mercado can definitely make it a high-octane game when he enters the floor. He definitely wont take any of the Gilas guards lightly, and he’ll fight them speed-for-speed.

Wildcards

Mark Caguioa, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel

It is the first all star game in Manila since 2009 where Caguioa will not participate. While the numbers of the 2012 MVP have dipped through the years, just having him in the cast will already be a big gift for the thousands who will be paying to see their favorite PBA stars. Aside from his on-court antics, Caguioa’s appeal and popularity will definitely boost the turnout this year.

Terrence Romeo, Globalport Batang Pier 

Of course, when it comes to showtime, Terrence Romeo is one player who could definitely bring a lot to the table. The rookie once scored 34 points in a single contest and I believe if there is one rookie aside from Slaughter who should be in the all star game, it has to be Romeo.

Asi Taulava, Air21 Express

When you’re 41 years old yet you still put up 13.8 PPG and 13.6 RPG in the season, it’s quite reasonable you should be in the all star list. The evergreen Taulava continues to defy the odds for the Express; the perennial RP team slotman should also give Gilas’ bigs a good lesson.

Ronjay Buenafe, Barako Bull Energy 

Barako Bull’s gunner Buenafe should also make it to the list; he’s one of those reliable shooters who can also break down his defenders, although he doesn’t really get much attention. He’s also been part of Gilas 2 for a while. 

Don’t agree with our picks? You have your own choices for sure so tell us who do you think should be in the PBA All Star game by commenting below. Rappler.com

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