STA. LUCIA’S Kelly Williams will be a big thorn for Nino Canaleta when the high-flying cagers face-off in the slam dunk contest of the 33rd PBA All-Star Weekend slated April 24-27 in Bacolod City.

Canaleta of the Air21 Express completed an unprecedented third straight title last year in Baguio City when he defeated Talk `N Text's Jay Washington in the championship round, 79-54.

Canaleta sealed the title with a windmill side-winder and a thunderous one-hander above a man, with the free throw line as his take-off point.

To defend his crown, Canaleta has to overcome a tough field led by the 6-foot-3 Williams.

Williams made several impressive dunks in the recent Philippine Cup, which was won by the Realtors via a grueling 4-3 win over the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in their best-of-seven titular series.

Williams at the same was named the Best Player of the Conference in that title run by the Realtors.

Last year, Williams joined the slam dunk contest but never got past the eliminations when he failed to convert twice his between-the-legs jam.

Canaleta admitted that Williams’ elimination aided him in winning the title.

Aside from Williams, also capable of stealing the crown from Canaleta are Arwind Santos also from Air21, former champion Cyrus Baguio of Red Bull and Welcoat rookie Joe Devance .

Aside from the slam dunk competition, other side events to be played in the All-Star festivities are the three-point shootout, trick shot and the obstacle challenge.

San Miguel's sweet shooting guard Dondon Hontiveros is the reigning three-point shootout king, Willie Miller of Alaska holds the title in the obstacle challenge while Denok Miranda is the defending champion in the trick shot.

Also part of the All-Star week is the Blitz Game between the Rookies and Sophomore.

The main attraction of the festivities is the most-awaited match between the South All-Stars and the North All-Stars. Correspondent Calvin D. Cordova with PBA Media Bureau