There's extra incentive for Team Mark to go up against last year's winner, Team Japeth in the PBA All-Star Game.
There's plenty to fight for in the 2024 PBA All-Star Game this Sunday, as far as the team captains are concerned.
For Japeth Aguilar, he definitely wants to defend his team's title. Team Japeth beat Team Scottie 140-136 in the 2023 PBA All-Star Game.
"Syempre kailangan namin i-defend 'yung pagkapanalo namin last year. So although iba na 'yung coach [nila], si coach Jorge, ita-try namin 'yung best namin para mag-back-to-back," Aguilar said in a press conference held in Bacolod on Thursday.
The big man wants the same kind of effort he saw from his team last year.
"As in parang depensahan, very intense 'yung game sa umpisa pa lang," Aguilar told One Sports.
They're just going to wait for the arrival of coach Tim Cone before getting into full swing.
Meanwhile, Mark Barroca has added incentive to pick up the victory this time.
"Ang usapan, may extra motivation kami kasi nag-usap kami ni mayor," Barroca said, nodding to Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez beside him. It earned a laugh from the crowd.
San Miguel Beermen coach Jorge Gallent, who will be the tactician for Team Mark, praised his captain's selections.
"I was telling Mark he chose good players, very active, very energetic. I think we're gonna have a good chance of winning this game. We're gonna make it competitive," Gallent added.
That's not the only factor for the Coffee Prince.
He was particularly driven to become competitive, following the criticism of the offense-heavy 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
"Sobrang laki [na factor]. Sa NBA, offense-to-offense lang," he explained to One Sports. "We will play defense naman. 'Dun kami gagawa ng runs."
"I know 'yung mga players na nakuha ko, defensive 'yung mindset, physical. 'Dun kami kukuha, ibabato namin sa Team Japeth."
Team Japeth is comprised of Christian Standhardinger, Aris Dionisio (replacing Scottie Thompson), Paul Lee, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, RR Pogoy (replacing Tyler Tio), Stanley Pringle, and Terrence Romeo.
Meanwhile, Team Mark is composed of June Mar Fajardo, Jason Perkins, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang, James Yap, Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, Ricci Rivero, Cliff Hodge, Juami Tiongson, and Nards Pinto.
The All-Star Game is set for March 24.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada/One Sports Digital)