FILE–Tyrus Hill dunks over Jamie Malonzo during the PBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–The PBA has scrapped the annual Slam Dunk Contest as part of the side events for next month’s All-Star Weekend in Bacolod City.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the contest will be replaced by another three-point shootout featuring frontcourt players during the festivities to be held at University of St. La Salle Coliseum.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, recently acquired by TNT, is going to be joined by Phoenix’s Jason Perkins, Barangay Ginebra’s Ralph Cu, Magnolia’s Aris Dionisio, San Miguel Beer’s Mo Tautuaa and NLEX’s Sean Anthony.
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Also taking part are Blackwater’s Christian David, Converge’s Keith Zaldivar, Meralco’s Brandon Bates, Rain or Shine’s Keith Datu and Terrafirma’s Isaac Go.
Magnolia’s Paul Lee will defend his championship in the standard three-point contest against Blackwater’s James Yap, Ginebra’s Maverick Ahanmisi, Converge’s Alec Stockton, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, NLEX’s Robbie Herndon, NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino, Phoenix’s Tyler Tio, San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter, Terrafirma’s Javi Gomez de Liano and TNT’s Calvin Oftana.
The Skills Challenge will still be held with NLEX’s Dave Marcelo looking to retain against Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger, Blackwater’s Clifford Jopia, Converge’s Justin Arana, Magnolia’s James Laput, Bates, Calma, Perkins, Datu, Tautuaa, Go and Ganuelas-Rosser.
The dunk event has been an annual fixture in the league’s All-Star extravaganza, with current Magnolia reserve David Murrell winning the Passi City, Iloilo event while still with Converge.
KG Canaleta and Rey Guevarra have won the dunk contest five times each.