![Robert Bolick (left) shares MVP trophy after making 'legendary' basket to end All-Star Game - PBA IMAGES](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/03/677774-e1711376982659.jpeg)
Robert Bolick (left) shared the MVP trophy with Japeth Aguilar after making the „legendary“ basket that capped the All-Star Game. —PBA images
Tim Cone believes the shot that decided the PBA All-Star Game here in Bacolod City will be remembered for 10 more times in the midseason classic.
„It's a legendary shot,“ he said of Robert Bolick's basket that tied the score at 140 in a showdown between Team Japeth and Team Mark on Sunday night at Saint LaSalle University. . „It's going to be an All-Star legendary shot. The next 10 All-Star (editions) are going to be talking about that shot.“
Although the venue for the next edition has not yet been announced, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial is confident that there will be more buzz outside of the all-important basketball.
Marcial said Monday that while the slam dunk contest is certain to return, a big-man version of the 3-point shootout could become a regular occurrence.
Meralco's Raymond Almazan won the Big Team Shootout and made his pitch for the upcoming All-Star Weekend.
„Why not include a big-guy 3-point shootout or a slam dunk contest for the fans to enjoy?“ Almazan said.
The makeup of the marquee All-Star Game, which has been determined by fan voting for the past two years, could change to include all member clubs.
Two states are interested
Marcial has not yet announced a location for 2025, but said two states have expressed interest in hosting the event.
Cone scored for Team Japeth and they were in the lead all the way before a fierce counterattack from Team Mark.
“You know, we had a good lead the whole game, and we just got pushed back at the end,” Cone said.
Bolick hit an off-balance 4-pointer past Calvin Oftana to bring Mark Barocca's skipper team within one point with 17.8 points remaining. He followed up with a freebie to tie the game and give the Ilonggo crowd a moment that will go down in basketball history. They will be talked about for many years to come.
„I was teasing Calvin that Robert would be able to borrow some money from the support he got from being an All-Star legend,“ Cohn said. „That's why he's an All-Star,“ he added.
a chance chance
Coach Cone acknowledged that his team fumbled its chances to win the game, but he also recognized what was at the heart of the midseason festivities that have been going on since 1989.
„(This) leaves a little bit of a sour taste in your mouth because we were in the lead the whole game. (But) the bottom line is this is for the fans. It was a great game for the fans.“ he said.
Boric and Japeth Aguilar were jointly named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The past two editions of the midseason spectacle were held in Western Visayas, with the 2023 All-Stars being held in Passi, Iloilo.
A packed crowd watched the All-Star finals at the Saint La Salle University Coliseum, but some fans were forced to leave, but the attendance for Saturday's skills competition and Rookies-Sophomore Juniors game remained the same. It was in stark contrast to the numbers. INQ