PBA all stars face Yao-led Shanghai 5

MANILA, Philippines - A 16-man PBA selection, handled by B-Meg coach Tim Cone, goes up against the Shanghai Sharks in a goodwill game at the MOA Arena on June 28.

The PBA board of governors approved the holding of this event in a meeting at Radisson Hotel in Cebu Thursday.

“It’s a goodwill game held in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. It aims to help strengthen the ties between the two countries,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“We’re heeding the President’s call to help heal our relationship,” Salud added.

Former NBA star Yao Ming, who co-owns the Shanghai team, is expected to appear in the goodwill game.

The Shanghai Sharks are currently ranked No. 6 in the Chinese Basketball Association. They have three players playing for the national team plus Taiwanese superstar Tseng Wen-ting.

Their coach is Bob Donewald, the same American mentor handling the Chinese national team.

Salud said the PBA board will choose the 16 men who will make the PBA selection.

Cone was picked to coach the team, being the champion coach in the recent Commissioner’s Cup.

In the same Cebu meeting, the PBA board made some revision on the league’s format for the season-ending Governors Cup which begins tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

It’s virtually the same as last year except that all ties will now be resolved by a playoff, making the tourney more exciting.

Rain or Shine clashes with Alaska Milk at 4:15 p.m. then Petron collides with Powerade at 6:30 p.m. on opening day.

It’s Barangay Ginebra against Air21 at 5:15 p.m. then Talk n Text versus Meralco at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.