MANILA(PNA) -- As expected, James Yap emerged as the frontrunner in the early balloting for the coming 2011 PBA All-Star game the island paradise of Boracay is hosting for the first time.
Yap, the league’s two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) from Derby Ace, received a total of 7,452 fan votes to lead all candidates comprising the roster of both North and South teams for the May 18 to 23 festivities dubbed as 'Hala Bola Boracay 2011 All Star weekend.’
The former University of the East star is tops among backcourt players for the South squad that also included Talk `N Text’s Jimmy Alapag (4,338), Cyrus Baguio of Alaska (3,933), Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros (3,303) and Ronald Tubid of Barangay Ginebra (2,763).
Among the South big men (center/forwards), San Miguel’s Jay Washington leads the pack with 4,824 votes followed by Kelly Williams of Talk 'N' Text (4,194), Meralco’s Asi Taulava (3,798), Ginebra’s Eric Menk (3,240) and the Alaska duo of Joe Devance (2,997) and Sonny Thoss (2,799).
Meanwhile, Yap’s Derby Ace teammate, Mark Pingris received the highest number of votes so far among players from the North side.
The energetic forward tallied 3,807 votes to lead the list of top North big men. At second is fellow Llamados Kerby Raymundo with 3,312 and at third is Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, the 2010 All-Star MVP, with 2,988.
Likewise getting the nod of the fans are Ginebra’s JC Intal (2,466), veteran San Miguel center Danny Ildefonso (2,160) and Ginebra’s Rudy Hatfield (2,124).
The popular Ginebra combo of Mark Caguioa and Willie Miller shows the way in the guard position with votes of 3,375 and 2,488, respectively.
Rounding out the other top three guard candidates for the North team are Alaska’s L.A. Tenorio (2,016), San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot (2,007) and Paul Artadi of Air21 (1,773).
Voting, which began last February 27, is still ongoing and will only be held during game days at the PBA playing venue.
Final day of voting is on April 10.
Reserves of both teams will be chosen by the nine PBA coaches, but they are prohibited from voting for their players.
The rest of the participants in the other events will be made on the first week of April.
Members of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas team were not included in the voting as the Nationals are set to see action in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup from May 28 to June 5 which the country is hosting.
Last year the North All Stars edged out South, 133-132, during the All-Star game held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. (photo courtesy of pinoytayo.com)
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