As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) approaches its 50th anniversary, the league is bringing back the format that officially cemented the All-Star Game in 1989.
The upcoming All-Star Weekend, set for May 2-4 in Davao del Norte, will feature the classic Rookies/Sophomores/Juniors (RSJ) vs. Veterans matchup as its main event.
For the past two years, the PBA followed the NBA-style format, where the top two vote-getters were named captains and drafted their respective teams. Last season, Japeth Aguilar and Mark Barroca led their squads in Bacolod City, where the game ended in a dramatic 140-all tie, thanks to Robert Bolick’s clutch five-point play.
“Baka nananawa na ‘yung tao sa drafting. Tingnan natin kung anong makakaganda,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in an article published on the PBA website.
Voting for this year’s All-Star festivities began on February 5.
The RSJ vs. Veterans format was the foundation of the PBA’s All-Star Weekend when it became an annual midseason tradition 36 years ago.
The inaugural matchup in 1989 produced a classic, with former Toyota teammates Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez reuniting to lift the Veterans to a thrilling 132-130 victory over the younger squad at the University of Life Arena (now Philsports Arena).
In the final moments, Jaworski inbounded the ball to Fernandez, who drove past Benjie Paras and Alvin Patrimonio for a reverse layup at the buzzer, sealing the win. It was the first time Jaworski and Fernandez played together since Toyota disbanded in 1983.
Ironically, the last time the PBA used the RSJ-Veterans format was in 2012 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, where the Veterans dominated with a 176-144 win. James Yap was named MVP.
Adding more excitement to this year’s All-Star festivities is a special game featuring two teams composed entirely of Mindanao-born players.
Among those expected to participate are hometown stars Scottie Thompson from Davao del Sur and Mark Barroca from Zamboanga City.
“Ang daming players ng Mindanao, nasa 20 to 24 players. Paglalaruin natin sila ng sabay para makita ng mga taga-Mindanao,” Marcial added.
