Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson emerged as the early leaders in the initial results for this season’s PBA All-Star Game which has a huge presence of players from Barangay Ginebra.
The two players gained headway in potentially serving as captains for the second straight edition of the exhibition extravaganza after Aguilar garnered 24,372 votes followed by Thompson with 17,398 based on the list released by the league Wednesday.
Ginebra teammates Christian Standhardinger (15,400), LA Tenorio (15,390) and Jamie Malonzo (15,014) followed by San Miguel Beer standout June Mar Fajardo (14,912), who is ahead of two more Gin Kings in Maverick Ahanmisi (13,216) and Stanley Pringle.
San Miguel’s CJ Perez (11,432) and NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino (11,092) also made the top 10, barely ahead Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva (10,606) while the No. 12 spot surprisingly held by Terrafirma’s Eric Camson (10,606).
Barangay Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar.–PBA IMAGES
TNT’s Calvin Oftana (10,330), Meralco’s Chris Newsome (10,252) and Magnolia’s Paul Lee (9,408) are above Ginebra’s Nards Pinto (9,038), Rain or Shine’s James Yap (8,880), TNT’s Jayson Castro (8,568), San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo (7,944) and Magnolia’s Mark Barroca (7.098).
Completing the top 24 are Ginebra’s Jeremiah Gray (7,052) and Von Pessumal (6,752), San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter (6,442) and Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon (5,914).
The top 24 players after the conclusion of the voting period on Feb. 7 will be selected to play in the All-Star Game while four more will be added which will be determined through votes from coaches and media.
Ginebra’s Tim Cone and Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao lead the votes for coaches who will handle the teams in the exhibition event with 28,110 and 11,494, respectively.