source: malaya.com.ph
TWO former collegiate slam dunk champions in Rey Guevarra and Elmer Espiritu will see action in the 2011 PBA All-Star slam dunk contest and are expected to provide excitement in the keenly followed event in the absence of four-time champion KG Canaleta.
They are ranged against former champions Gabe Norwood and Kelly Williams who will take a shot at a second title in the event that also attracted JC Intal, Jay Washington and Ronald Tubid.
Intal is also a former collegiate dunking king, adding appeal and dazzle to one of the most interesting side events in the league’s annual summer spectacle sponsored by Coca-Cola, Meralco, Alta Vista Boracay, Talk N Text Puma and Maynilad on May 18-23 in the island paradise of Boracay.
The slam dunk competition ushers in the PBA Blitz Game (Rookies vs. Sophomores) scheduled on Friday at the Boracay Convention Center and is expected to set the tone for the All-Star festivities highlighted by the All-Star Game Sunday in the same venue.
Guevarra and Espiritu won titles in the UAAP-NCAA All-Stars battle and basketball watchers don’t discount the possibility of the two rookies upstaging the veterans.
Norwood and Williams are, of course, the odds-on picks, being former PBA All-Star slam dunk kings.
The Rain or Shine stalwart ruled the contest in his rookie year in 2009, topping a field that included Canaleta.
Williams, the 2008 champion, failed to defend his crown then due to a blood disorder problem he battled for months.
Norwood and Williams will put on a show together this time, alongside another ferocious Fil-Am dunker in Washington.
The three-point shootout and obstacle course are the other skills event on tap on Friday.
Mark Macapagal defends his three-point shooting title while Jonas Villanueva will be out to repeat as obstacle course champ in the event also supported by Smart, Accel, Molten, Islander, Rain or Shine and Powerade.
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