The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has confirmed that the 2025 All-Star Weekend will take place in Davao del Norte from May 2 to 4. The events will be held in both Davao City and Panabo City. One of the main highlights this year is a special game featuring top players from Mindanao, designed to celebrate and highlight the Filipino basketball players from the region.
#PBAAllStar PBA introduces all-Mindanao showdown for 2025 All-Star Weekend in Davao | by @justinebacnis#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/4FSF9TFpEv pic.twitter.com/SmMXVd1FZO
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 10, 2025
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial recently spoke to the media about the league’s efforts to connect with fans all over the Philippines, especially in provinces like Mindanao. He shared that the Board of Governors has put together two teams made up only of players from Mindanao. This move celebrates the region’s strong basketball culture and gives local fans a special chance to see their hometown players compete.
"We formed two teams composed of players from Mindanao. We have a lot of players who hail from Mindanao. We have about 20 to 24 players selected. We are doing this because we want fans from Mindanao to enjoy seeing their fellow Mindanaoan PBA stars play. It’s Mindanao vs Mindanao," Marcial stated.
The all-Mindanao game is set to feature some of the PBA's most prominent figures. Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, originally from Digos, Davao del Sur, and Mark Barroca of Magnolia Hotshots from Zamboanga City, are anticipated to lead the two teams.
Other notable players expected to participate include Poy Erram of TNT Tropang Giga from Cagayan de Oro City, Jio Jalalon of NorthPort Batang Pier, and Nards Pinto of Barangay Ginebra from Davao City.
In recent years, the PBA has experimented with various formats for the PBA All-Star Game to keep the event fresh and engaging. The previous two editions adopted a format similar to the National Basketball Association (NBA), where the top two vote-getters selected their teammates in a draft-style selection. However, recognizing the need for continual innovation, the league is exploring new concepts.
"Fans might be tired of the drafting format. So, we are looking for ways to make it more exciting. If it doesn’t work, we will revert to the old format. Like this Mindanao game, this is something new. We will see how the fans will react to it since they will also vote for who they want to play. Since Scottie is a shoo-in in the all-Mindanao match, we will exempt him," Marcial added.
Fan engagement remains a cornerstone of the PBA's strategy. Voting for the 2025 PBA All-Star Game commenced on February 5, allowing fans to have a direct impact on the selection of players for the event. This participatory approach ensures that the All-Star Weekend reflects the preferences and enthusiasm of the league's dedicated supporters.
Beyond the all-Mindanao showdown, the 2025 All-Star Weekend promises a series of thrilling events. The league is considering introducing a four-point line in the Three-Point Shootout, adding a new layer of excitement and challenge for participants. Additionally, the popular Shooting Stars event is set to make a return, and fans can look forward to the high-flying action of the Slam Dunk Contest.
This year's All-Star Weekend marks a return to Davao del Norte, a region that last hosted the event in 2018. Back then, Davao was one of three venues, alongside Batangas City and Iloilo City, representing Mindanao, Luzon, and Visayas respectively. The 2025 festivities will be solely centered in Davao, underscoring the league's dedication to bringing top-tier basketball entertainment to fans outside the capital.
The decision to spotlight Mindanaoan players is more than just a nod to regional pride; it reflects the PBA's recognition of the diverse talent pool across the Philippines. By highlighting players from various provinces, the league fosters a sense of inclusivity and national unity. Fans from Mindanao, in particular, will have the unique opportunity to see their local heroes compete on a grand stage, potentially inspiring the next generation of basketball stars from the region.
The 2025 PBA All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a landmark event, celebrating the talents of Mindanaoan players and offering fans a refreshed and engaging basketball experience. With innovative formats and a commitment to fan involvement, the PBA continues to uphold its reputation as the premier basketball league in the Philippines.
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