North, South see easy victory in All-Star duel

BAGUIO – Asi Taulava said "it’s a given" they would win. Mark Caguioa answered back with words suggesting the same.

Taulava and Caguioa lead their respective teams as they fight for pride and bragging rights in the 2007 PBA All-Star Game at the University of Baguio gym here tonight.

Members of the contending North and South teams are looking to have fun but promise just the same not to just watch and let the other steal the show in the main feature of the All-Star Week supported by Victory Liner, San Miguel Corp., Air21, Accel, Coke, Pagcor, PCSO and World of Fun.

The Legends Shootout, pitting Dondon Hontiveros, Willie Miller and Gary David against retired players Ato Agustin, Pido Jarencio and Boyet Fernandez, precede the All-Star Game.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala pointed out that the game’s different undertones should make it a real treat for the people of the city of pines. "Our host city has rolled out the red carpet for us and it is only fitting we return the hosts’ warm welcome by giving the fans something to remember for a long, long time," said Eala during a press conference at the Baguio Country Club.

Coaches Jong Uichico of the North team and Tim Cone of the South team said fans would get their money’s worth.

"Siyempre, gusto ng lahat manalo kaya there is still some pressure, notwithstanding the fact that it is supposed to be a fun game," said Uichico. "Sa umpisa, gusto lang ng bawat isang mapasaya ang mga fans. Pero habang nagtatagal na, iyung competitive spirit ng players, lalabas at lalabas."

"It’s a pride thing," Cone agreed. It’s a virtual Game Seven with the two teams having split the first six games under the North vs South format of this annual mid-season spectacle.

Caguioa and his teammates are looking to make a show while playing on home turf, just the way they did in Laoag City in 2005.

Jayjay Helterbrand, who frolicked for 38 points in Laoag, teams up with Caguioa, Danny Ildefonso, Rommel Adducul and Kerby Raymundo as they lead their team’s bid against the South which, on the other hand, has Taulava, Danny Seigle, Kelly Williams, James Yap and Hontiveros as starters.

Eric Menk, voted as a starter for the South, is sitting out the game due to injury.

Red Bull’s Cyrus Baguio was also supposed to come off the bench for the South but a recent heart attack to his father forced him to miss out not only the game but also the Slam Dunk competition last Thursday.

Left as the South reserves are Sunday Salvacion, Sonny Thoss, Jimmy Alapag, Ronald Tubid, Tony dela Cruz and Roger Yap.

The North relievers are Enrico Villanueva, Ranidel de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, Gary David, John Arigo and Mark Cardona. Villanueva will be the team’s sixth man as he emerged as the top vote-getter here.

The South won the All-Star Game in Cagayan de Oro last year with Taulava emerging as the MVP.

Taulava is confident he can come out with another MVP-like performance and lead the team to back-to-back victories.

"There’s no question, it’s a given," said Taulava.

Caguioa, however, thinks otherwise: "Walang k’wenta ang sinabi ni Asi at kayo na ang mag-translate n’un para sa kanya," the Ginebra stalwart quipped.