By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense James Yap of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters was selected by Team Scottie for the 2023 PBA All-Star Game at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo province’s Passi City on March 12.

The Negros Occidental’s Escalante City-native gunner was the 11th and last pick of the squad to be captained by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings star Earl Scottie Thompson.

Painters head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, who was voted to coach Team Scottie in the annual PBA festivity, said the 41-year-old Yap deserved his 17th consecutive PBA All-Star selection.

“James deserves his PBA All-Star spot,” Guiao said during the live telecast of the PBA All-Star Draft on Monday night, February 20.

“Despite him being a mature player, his experience is very valuable for our team,” he added.

Aside from Yap, also on the Team Scottie roster were Christian Standhardinger, Jaymar Perez, Calvin Abueva, Robert Bolick Jr., Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas, Jayson Castro, Stanley Pringle, Marcio Lassiter, and Andy Mark Barroca.

Meanwhile, the opposing Team Japeth of Japeth Aguilar was led by his Gin Kings teammates Jamie Malonzo, Jeremiah Gray, LA Tenorio, and Nard John Pinto. The squad is coached by Ginebra mentor Tim Cone.

Other members of Team Japeth were June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Roger Ray Pogoy, Mikey Williams, Paul Lee, rookie Gian Mamuyac, and injured guard Terrence Romeo.

Rookie big men Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Justin Arana emerged as the top two picks in the rookie/sophomore/juniors game, with the former playing for Caloy Garcia’s Team Stalwart and the latter for Richard del Rosario’s Team Greats.

Joining Ganuelas-Rosser in Team Stalwarts are Calvin Oftana, Joshua Munzon, Encho Serrano, Anton Asistio, Tyler Tio, Shaun Ildefonso, Mike and Matt Nieto, and Aris Dionisio.

While also in Team Greats with Arana were Renato Ular, Aaron Black, Allyn Bulanadi, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adrian Wong, Jerrick Balanza, RK Ilagan, Javi Gomez de Liano, and Isaac Go./ASC, WDJ