AS expected, the two best big men in the PBA emerged as the top two picks in the very first All-Star game drafting.
The team of Scottie Thompson selected Christian Standhardinger with the no. 1 pick in Monday's draft night at the TV 5 studio in Mandaluyong.
Not to be outdone, the team of Japeth Aguilar tabbed six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo with the no. 2 pick.
Thompson earned the right to pick first through a coin flip presided over by commissioner Willie Marcial.
The two top vote-getters then alternated in selecting the players for their respective teams.
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A similar coin flip was held to determine the coaches who will call the shots for each team.
Yeng Guiao was chosen to call the shots for Team Scottie, while Tim Cone will coach Team Japeth.
Completing Team Scottie are CJ Perez, Calvin Abueva, Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino, Louie Alas, Jayson Castro, Stanley Pringle, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, and two-time MVP James Yap.
The rest of Team Japeth includes Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Roger Pogoy, LA Tenorio, Mikey Williams, Paul Lee, Jeremiah Gray, Gian Mamuyac, Nards Pinto, and Terrence Romeo.
"Happy kami nakuha namin yung mga gusto naming players," said Thompson, the reigning league MVP, afterwards.
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"It's all fun. We know all of these guys are competitive," Cone added.
In the Rookies/Sophomores/Juniors game, two big men in Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Justin Arana were the two top picks by Team Stalwarts and Team Greats, respectively.
Team Stalwarts will be handled by Rain or Shine deputy coach Caloy Garcia, while Team Greats will be mentored by Ginebra assistant coach Richard Del Rosario.
Garcia also picked for Team Stalwarts Calvin Oftana, Joshua Munzon, Encho Serrano, Anton Asistio, Tyler Tio, Shaun Ildefonso, Mike and Matt Nieto, and Aris Dionisio.
Del Rosario meanwhile, selected Ato Ular, Aaron Black, Allyn Bulanadi, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adrian Wong, Jerrick Balanza, RK Ilagan, Javi Gomez De Liano, and Isaac Go. (RG)
