The top 24 high school players in the country took the stage anew in the third annual Slam Rising Stars Classic on Sunday night at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
The future of Philippine basketball were pitted against each other with the likes of UAAP juniors MVP Aljun Melecio of De La Salle Zobel, juniors Finals MVP Justine Baltazar of reigning champion National University, Evan Nelle of San Beda College-Rizal and Ricci Rivero of La Salle Greenhills leading their respective squads.
Rivero, who will be joining his brother Prince with the Green Archers next season, provided the highlights with his athleticism, but it was Melecio, another La Salle-commit, who shone the brightest as he took home the MVP award after leading Team Punks over Team Hype, 103-98.
All photos by Tristan Tamayo of INQUIRER.net.
Guilmer dela Torre goes for a layup.
(From left) Shaun Ildefonso, Samuel Abu Hiljeh and Carlo Abadeza fight for the ball.
Tyler Tio shoots a jumper.
Ricci Rivero throws down the two-handed dunk.
Ricci Rivero adds flare to his dunk.
Gian Mamuyac tries to avoid the defense.
John Clemente puts the move on his defender.
Aljun Melecio surveys the floor.
Justine Baltazar with the one-hander.
Team Punks players pose with the game trophy while Aljun Melecio (middle) holds his MVP award.