ALL-STAR HOTSHOTS DEDICATE GAME, WEEKEND TO FANS
Winning rewards every one, and for the core players of last year’s Grand Slam-winning Purefoods squad, the fans and the league alike have rewarded the Hotshots with six slots in this year’s All-Star Game.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng bumoto na fans. Para sa kanila yung laro na yun,” said James Yap, reminding the fans to never be shy of approaching them whenever they get the chance. “Wag kayo mahihiyang lumapit sa amin kasi para talaga sa fans yung All-Star.”
Marc Pingris added, “Ang All-Star, para sa fans yan eh, so ibibigay talaga namin yung lahat na kahit paano, seryoso din kami. Ang gusto lang namin, matuwa yung fans namin at bigyan sila ng saya.”
For Yap, one of the most popular faces of the league, it’s a chance for him to reach out to his supporters, as the two-time MVP said that what he looks forward in the midseason showcase has always been the outreach events.
“Yung makapagbigay ka sa mga taong sumusuporta sa yo, yun ang pinakagusto ko. Ito yung layunin ng All-Star eh, para makapagpasalamat kami sa fans, di lang para sa kin, pero sa PBA na rin,” he said.
Pingris also echoed this, as he expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying, “Wala naman kami dito kung di rin dahil sa kanila eh.”
Mark Barroca, meanwhile, is just treasuring this chance as he thanks the fans for their appreciation to their craft.
He said, “Siguro binoto kami ng fans dahil na rin sa championships na nakuha namin. Nagpapasalamat kaming lahat kasi ang daming nakuha sa team namin eh.”
Pingris and Justin Melton will be starting for the North All-Stars, while Yap and Barroca will be joined by Peter June Simon and Joe Devance in the South squad.
Barroca said that he’s hoping to take the opportunity to bind with his fellow ballers and spend time with them in the short break.
“Ito yung chance na magiging magkakasama kami ng ibang players eh. Minsan mo lang magagawa yan,” he said, as the Zamboanga native admitted, “Pag talaga napili ka na sa All-Star, gusto mo na every year kasi achievement yun eh.” (RL)
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