2015 PBA All Star Game: Thoughts on the North Squad

The PBA Commissioner's Cup will be taking a brief respite from all the high-octane action and "Joke-gate" as they take the PBA All Star Weekend to Palawan as a fitting way of thanking their fans (that's you and me) while also recognizing some of the best players today.

Now while we don't want to rain on any one's parade here, we wish that the PBA would actually go back into bringing in the "best of the best" to play in the ASG instead of merely making it a "wide open, who's got more fans to vote you in even if you're a bit player" race. Looking at both starting line-ups for the North and South teams, there are quite a number of guys who honestly shouldn't even be starting based on stats and overall impact for their mother teams.

"E sikat e."

Let's take a look at the North Squad:


The Starters

Justin Melton, PG, Purefoods
Sure he can get up there, is part of the Grand Slam team and is holding his own within the Triangle Offense of head coach Tim Cone, but really? As the starting point guard? Really? If you were asked to name the best of the very best point guards in the PBA today, from the North, Melton probably wouldn't be at the top of your list.

Mark Caguioa, SG, Ginebra
There are nights wherein Caguioa still looks like every bit of the fiery, Pinoy Allen Iversion in a running back's body that debuted about a decade or so ago. Then there are nights wherein he just looks old. Real old. Last conference, Caguioa looked just about ready to hand over his spot to Joseph Yeo.

Calvin Abueva, SF, Alaska
This one's a no brainer. Well-deserved, hard-earned. Arguably the most magnetic, polarizing even, personality and basketball player in the entire country today. You hate him because he isn't on your team and he just has that punk face on him. You love him because of everything else he does.

Marc Pingris PF, Purefoods
From time to time, we actually love seeing the old Pingris. You know, when he's all swagged up and not the TV friendly, Mr. Danica Sotto one.

Japeth Aguilar C, Ginebra
It's a PBA All Star Game where there's no defense required and you can just wait your turn to do your thing. Perfect environment for a sideshow draw like Aguilar who can get to showcase his dunking prowess to the hilt.

The Reserves

Beau Belga, C, Rain or Shine
#ThankYouGilas because seriously, we're big on RoS, but Belga as an All Star reserve might be pushing it a bit. What are his career averages again on points, rebounding and blocks?

Paul Lee, PG, Rain or Shine
Take Caguioa out of that starting five, put Lee in and we're good.

Gabe Norwood, SF, Rain or Shine
Don't know about this one. He's my guy and all. But no. Is Matt Ganuelas Rosser from the North or South? I'd put him in before I put Norwood, based solely on performance of course. Starpower, Norwood deserves it. Gilas too.

Jayson Castro, PG, Talk'n'Text
What? FIBA Asia's reigning and defending Best Point Guard is not starting outright? What madness is this?

Ranidel de Ocampo, PF, Talk'n'Text
Best damn power forward in the PBA today. Take Aguilar out, and figure out who plays center between RdO and his buddy Ping.

Arwind Santos, PF, San Miguel
The former PBA MVP was so good last conference, we're surprised his revived play wasn't enough to earn him a starter's spot alongside his Cabalen Abueva.

Terrence Romeo, SG, GlobalPort
The best damn perimeter scorer in the PBA today.

Leo Austria, Head Coach, San Miguel
If the North loses, wonder if he'll say "nakakahiya kami?"