Due to the recent NBA lockout some all star players from the US National Basketball (–foul word(s) removed–)ociation were invited to play for a series of exhibition games which will be scheduled on July 23 and 24 at the Araneta Coliseum.
According to the latest headlines reported by ABS-CBN, the NBA all stars selection had just arrived in Manila today, July 22, 2011. The team were composed of MVP Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls, Paul Allen of the New Orleans Hornets. Former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings together with the center from Javalee McGee of the Washington Wizards were part of the team as well.
Other members of the NBA all-star selections that had just arrived in Manila were scoring champion Kevin Durant with Oklahoma Thunder team mate James Harden. Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Derek Fisher were part of the team that will be spearheaded by NBA superstar Kobe Bryant who will go back to the Philippines after his stint in Shanghai.
The 9-man NBA All Star Selection will play against the PBA All Star Selection composed of the following basketball players selected from different PBA Teams.
List of PBA All-Star Selection:
- James Yap
- Marc Pingris
- LA Tenorio
- JC Intal
- Marc Caguioa
- Arwin Santos
- Rabeh Al-Hussaini
- Sol Mercado
- Sonny Thoss
- Ryan Reyes
- Jason Castro
- Larry Fonacier
- Garry David
- Gabe Norwood