PBA: Slaughter to star in All-Star Game, after dominating the vote

Greg Slaughter continues to make an impact in the PBA, as Ginebra's rookie center placed first in the PBA's All-Star balloting, said the league in a press release on Tuesday.

The first overall draft pick, after reaching the Philippine Cup semifinals and landing as a top-five candidate in the Best Player of the Conference race, is set to star at the All-Star Game on April 6, to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 7’0” Slaughter bested all players, garnering 61,680 votes from online and in-venue balloting, and will start the game alongside Ginebra teammates Chris Ellis with 44,630 and Mac Baracael with 33,756 as the third front court player.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the starting backcourt is represented by the Philippine Cup champions. San Mig Super Coffee Mixer Mark Barroca was the top vote getter among guards with 38,268 votes, followed by perennial fan favorite James Yap with 38,260.

Mixers head coach Tim Cone will call the shots for the All-Star team which, following last year's format played in Digos City, will square off against the Gilas Pilipinas national team.

The All-Star reserves will be voted upon by the PBA coaches.

This year marks Yap's 11th All-Star Game appearance, tying Jerry Codinera and Dondon Hontiveros for second-most All-Star Games played. Alvin Patrimonio and Asi Taulava are the only two players with more All-Star stints, playing 12 apiece. Yap was also named All-Star MVP in 2012.

Meanwhile, Barroca, Ellis and Baracael secured their second All-Star nods. - Job B. De Leon / AMD, GMA News