Jorge Gallent wants to keep PBA All-Star Game competitive

BACOLOD CITY – San Miguel Beer head coach Jorge Gallent was well aware of the backlash that happened in the recent NBA All-Star due to its decreasing level of competition and he wants none of that when his Team Barroca takes on Team Japeth in the 2024 PBA All-Star Games at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium.

Coaching the team drafted by this year’s top vote-getter Mark Barroca, Gallent vowed to push his team to play the exhibition like it was a real game and produce the same competitive atmosphere that received praises during the last year’s edition in Passi City, Iloilo.

“We really don’t want a game like that [and] we want the fans to enjoy by being competitive,” stressed Gallent who added that he will try to employ some defensive schemes to his players.

In contrast, this year’s NBA All-Star festivities drew flak over players shooting from way out of their range and not even making an effort to defend on the other end.

The veteran mentor, who is also coaching his first All-Star game following a splendid first conference at the SMB helm that saw him win his first title, said that the PBA owes it to the fans to give them an entertaining and competitive match that they can enjoy.

“We can’t just make easy baskets and all of those of course the fans they spent tickets to watch not a blowout game but a competitive game,” he added.

Last year’s edition saw a tight contest between Team Japeth and Team Scottie with the former coming out on top with a 140-136 win.

And while guys like Paul Lee displaying their range with their four-point shots, and Jamie Malonzo showcasing their leaping abilities with a couple of thunderous dunks, it was the tough defensive stands especially towards the endgame that actually thrilled and left the fans at the edge of their seats.

And that was something Gallent hopes to replicate as Team Barroca tries to deny Team Japeth back-to-back victories in the All-Star.

“If it comes down to a winning basket, I’m sure they’re gonna love it,” said Gallent.

“We’re just gonna find ways how to run and how we are gonna bring in the energy in Sunday’s game,” he added as Barroca will be joined by teammates in Calvin Abueva and Jio Jalalon in the team along with prolific scorers in CJ Perez and Robert Bolick to name a few. — Reynald I. Magallon

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