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Niño
Canaleta has no intention to defend his title in the
2008 Smart-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)
All-Stars slam-dunk contest.
Yes, you
heard it right. The high-leaping, slam-jamming Air21
forward doesn’t wish to do another air show.
Apparently, Canaleta, who idolizes Kevin Garnet of the
Boston Celtics (which is why he loves to be referred to
as KG), has lost the motivation and the enthusiasm to
compete in the event—the most exciting program of the
league’s annual spectacle next to the All-Star game.
And
nobody could blame him. He has dominated the slam-dunk
competition the last three years and he feels he has
nothing more to prove.
Instead,
he is looking forward to challenging defending champion
Dondon Hontiveros in the three-point shootout
competition, where James Yap, Renren Ritualo, Joe
Devance and Willie Miller are among the tough
challengers.
Supposedly, that was his frame mind.
But word
reached Caneleta that Kelly Williams was begging for a
rematch. Never to run away from challenges, KG had a
change of heart.
“Ayaw
ko na sana, pero gusto daw akong i-challenge ni
Kelly [Williams], eh di laban,” said Canaleta,
26, a champion slum-dunker way back to his college days
at the University of the East.
Williams, an athletic, all-around rim-rattler, was
predicted to challenge Canaleta for the crown in La
Union last year, but he took an early exit on two failed
executions right in the first round.
That
disappointing stunt apparently still haunts the Sta.
Lucia star, who has vowed to redeem himself.
The
All-Star slam-dunk contest, which is scheduled on April
25, will highlight the annual classic’s Friday
Extravaganza that includes the three-point Shootout
contest, Obstacle Competition and the Blitz Game and the
Rookies vs. Sophomores at the West Negros College Gym in
Bacolod City.
With
former champion Joey Mente, Reynel Hugnatan, Arwind
Santos and Ronad Tubid included in the cast, this year’s
slam-dunk contest promises to be electrifying and
exciting.
The
All-Star game, supported by Pigrolac, Mighty Bond, Coke
and Yakult, is organized by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio
Leonardia, in coordination with the province’s local
government unit and
West
Negros College
president Suzette Agustin.
The
All-Star game is set on April 27, with the North team
seeking a repeat of its 145-142 conquest of the South
squad last year in Baguio City.
Jayjay
Herlterbrand, who shared the MVP honor with Willie
Miller last year in Baguio, was voted along with Ginebra
teammate Mark Caguioa, Purefoods’ Kerby Raymundo,
Magnolia’s Mark Pingris and Lordy Tugade as starter of
the North team. Also in the team are Nic Belasco, Mac
Cardona, Ranidel de Ocampo, Miller, Ryan Reyes, Arwind
Santos and Rico Villanueva.
Making up the starting unit of the South team are top
vote-getter James Yap of Purefoods, Coca-Cola’s Asi
Taulava, Magnolia’s Danny Seigle, Talk n Text’s Jimmy
Alapag and Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams.
Joining
them in the squad are Cyrus Baguio, John Ferriols,
Dondon Hontiveros, Reynel Hugnatan, Peter Jun Simon,
Sonny Thoss and Junthy Valenzuela. |
