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HIGH-FLYING KG Canaleta tries to slam his way to greatness when he
seeks his fourth straight slam dunk title during the 2008 SMART-PBA
All-Star festival slated this weekend in Bacolod City.
Already an owner of an unprecedented three
straight title, the 6’5" Air 21 power forward will face
familiar foes in former winner Joey Mente of Welcoat, Kelly Williams
of Sta. Lucia Realty, Ronald Tubid of Ginebra and teammate Arwind
Santos.
Two other winners in last year’s side events—Dondon
Hontiveros of Magnolia, the two-time three-point shootout champion,
and Willie Miller of Alaska, the obstacle course titleholder—are
also back to defend their respective crowns.
An impressive roster of parking lot shooters
headed by 2006 MVP James Yap of Purefoods will be challenging
Hontiveros in his campaign for a third straight shootout title. Also
in the field are Renren Ritualo (Talk ‘N Text), John Arigo
(Coca-Cola), rookie Joe deVance (Welcoat), Michael Hrabak (Red
Bull), Nelbert Omolon (Sta. Lucia), Junthy Valenzuela (Ginebra) and
Miller.
Waiting to ambush Miller in the Obstacle
Challenge are Topex Robinson of Red Bull, Alaska teammate L.A.
Tenorio, Mike Cortez of Magnolia, Ronjay Buenafe of Coca-Cola, Chico
Llanete of Purefoods, Marvin Cruz of Air21, Ryan Reyes of Sta. Lucia
and Tubid.
Meanwhile, the complete line-up for the Blitz
Game had also been announced with Welcoat teammates Vance and Jay-R
Reyes leading the Rookies and Sophomores, respectively.
Joining De Vance—the year’s top overall
pick—in the Rookie squad are Buenafe, Cruz, Llanete, Samigue Eman
(San Miguel), Doug Kramer (Air21), Yousif Aljamal (Talk ‘N Text)
and Ken Bono (San Miguel).
Backing up Reyes in the Sophomore squad are
Tenorio, JunJun Cabatu (Alaska), Jireh Ibañez (Welcoat), Chris
Pacana (Ginebra), Mark Isip (Welcoat), Magnum Membrere (Red Bull)
and crowd favorite Mark Andaya (Red Bull).
Making the hosting of the annual classic
possible in the “City of Smile” are Mayor Evelio Leonardia of
Bacolod City and West Negros College president Suzette Agustin.
-- Eddie Alinea
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