Though All-Star events are usually expected to be more for entertainment rather than competition, this year's NCAA All-Star basketball game promises to be competitive as the collegiate players vowed to go all out when they clash with fellow players and Kapuso artists this Sunday afternoon.
Team Heroes' Paolo Hernandez of Mapua University shared that he will out to give his best in order to help Team Saints a good game.
"Personally, gagawin ko 'yung best ko para manalo kami mamaya and for the team, bibigay din namin ng magandang experience and enjoyment," said Hernandez, the NCAA Season 97 Most Improved Player, during a pre-game press conference on Sunday.
His Team Heroes teammate Kai Oliva of Arellano University echoed, saying they are out to enjoy the festivities but at the same time play competitive hoops.
"Lahat po kami, bibigay namin 'yung best namin and kahit po All-Star game ito, ima-make sure namin na competitive pa rin pero at the same time magiging masaya kaming lahat para po sa fans," said Oliva.
Over on the Team Saints side, Will Gozum and Ralph Penuela revealed that their quad has worked on their team chemistry despite the short period of preparation — and that's something they will bank on in the game.
"Pinaghahandaan namin at naguusap-usap kami. Bini-build namin 'yung chemistry namin para pagpasok namin sa court mamaya, maganda na 'yung pasahan namin," said Penuela.
Gozum, last season's Mythical Five and Best Defensive Team member, added: "Bibigay lang namin lagi 'yung best namin and 'yun nga, 'yung chemistry. Binuo namin kahapon 'yung brotherhood."
Team Heroes and Team Saints will collide later at 3 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan with both teams composed of collegiate star and celebrities.
—JMB, GMA News
