Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rookie guard Scottie Thompson is making a surprise start as the Philippine Basketball Association on Saturday announced its starters for next month’s 2016 All-Star Game which will be held at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter were again voted by the fans to form the frontcourt of the South All-Stars while Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva headline the North team for the second straight year.
Representing the South, Thompson is the only rookie in the field as he and veteran James Yap make up the team’s starting backcourt while Joe Devance was the other forward chosen to start.
Mark Caguioa will be making his 10th All-Star appearance for the North. Japeth Aguilar and Marc Pingris round out the North’s starting five.
Yap tied Asi Taulava with the most number of All-Star selections at 13 but with Taulava still going strong at 43 years old, the ageless NLEX center will most likely get picked for a 14th stint in the festivities.
The North beat the South, 166-161, last year in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.