BACOLOD - For league newbies and even veterans getting their first taste of the annual PBA All Stars festivities, it's mostly about making the most of this momentous experience.
Terrafirma's Stephen Holt, the No. 1 pick of the Season 48 rookie draft, is using this opportunity to get to know his colleagues more and establish connections.
"I'm here to make new friends," said Fil-Am Holt, who spent most of his pro career overseas.
"So far in the 24 hours that I've been here, I've met some new players, had some good conversations. At the end of the day, it's all about brotherhood and building this league up and (developing) camaraderie with some of the guys. It's a good reset to find new friends in this league, especially for me since it's my first season. I'm learning everybody, everyone's new to me."
Meralco's battle-scarred Cliff Hodge is soaking it all in after finally cracking the All Stars in his 12th year in the pro league.
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"It's been great. I wasn't expecting it this late in my career but to be finally part of it is a great thing that I can put on my resume. To make it after 12 years, it's pretty exciting," said the Bolts workhorse.
Hodge said the long years of waiting for this have made him a better baller.
"Honestly, when I was younger I wanted to be part of it. When I got older, I didn't really mind. I was focused on gaining championships, not individual accolades," he said.
"But if they come, they come; if they don't they don't. The main focus is to try to win a championship which I haven't done yet, which is why I keep working hard everyday," he also said.
"I think the times that you don't make it, it builds character and makes you a better person. If I didn't make it to the All-Star game, it forced me to keep pushing and pushing and getting better. So I think as I've gotten older, I've actually gotten better as a basketball player. So that's why I'm still here. I'm still working hard, still trying to prove to everybody that I should be here."
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This year's PBA All-Star festivities is presented by Arena Plus (OL)
