PBA All Star Week 2009

The PBA All Star Week 2009 turned out to be one of the more entertaining renditions of the Philippine Basketball Associations annual all-star festivities in recent memory.

Paul Artadi of Baranggay Ginebra Gin Kings captured the Obstacle Challenge in style over fellow speedsters L.A Tenorio and Egay Billones. Artadi, dunking to start his turn, was a good treat for the fans. Defending champ Willie Miller failed to win the event for the fourth consecutive time.

James Yap, followed his former UE teammate Artadi by capturing the Three Point Shootout. Saving his best for last, Yap delivered a memorable performance in the finals. He shot all the balls in the first rack helping him run away with the title over hotshots Dondon Hontiveros and Gary David.

Defending champ Ren-ren Ritualo could have been in the finals but one of his 2-point shot was nullified because he shot it before completing all the 1-point balls.

Larry Fonacier started the event but unfortunately was made to repeat his turn because a ball in the fourth rack fell to the floor. If I was part of the committee, I wouldn't make Fonacier repeat his turn. Fonacier's score on his second turn was way low than the first, obviously he had already lost the rythm and some legs.

Also, I think it's a wrong decision to have a voice-over commentator while participants are completing their turn in the three point competition.

The slam dunk contest seemed destined to be a bore with the not-so-good dunks and missed dunks from the imports. David Noel, Baranggay Ginebra's import prevailed over San Miguel Beermen's G. Freeman and Sta. Lucia's Anthony Johnson.

KG Canaleta failed to follow his former UE Teammates (Artadi & Yap)as he lost in the local slam dunk division to Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Jarred Dilinger pumped up the crowd with his Pacman boxing attire but failed to complete his dunk.

Only the dunk off saved the event. David Noel delivered two perfect dunks over Gabe Norwood. The last one was doing a cart wheel and back flip before dunking the ball. He actually used that in winning the 2006 NCAA slam dunk competition.

Perhaps it would have been more exciting if Norwood was made to dunk first in the second round of the dunk off. Well, that's just me.

Noel capped the event with a just a step after the free-throw line dunk to the delight of the crowd.