NORTH VS SOUTH | THE 2026 PBA ALL-STAR LINEUPS

The PBA just announced the starters and reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game, and for once, I didn’t feel the urge to throw up and chuck my phone across the room.

Sure, there were questionable names in past seasons, and yes, a couple of teams didn’t get represented this time around, but compared to previous editions, the omissions and inclusions weren’t as glaring. I know I’m just a spectator yelling on the internet, especially after repeatedly saying the league should have a clearer gauge on who actually qualifies for the event, but I can honestly say I’m satisfied with this year’s list.

If you look closely at the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup numbers, Jericho Cruz is the only player across both lineups averaging under ten points per game. That alone tells you something. This All-Star roster is largely made up of the cream of the crop, players who are producing and, more importantly, playing for teams with winning records.

You’ve got Juan Gomez De Liano representing the rookies, JB Bahio as the poster boy for guys who flat-out worked their way into All-Star status, and Converge technically leading all teams with five selections.

I say technically because Calvin Abueva made the list due to his yeoman efforts with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. And then there’s Magnolia, with only Zavier Lucero making the cut, which is just insane when you really think about it.

NORTH ALL STARS

COACH | LEO AUSTRIA - SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN

STARTERS	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
CALVIN ABUEVA | CONVERGE / TITAN ULTRA	10	23.60	11.90	3.60	1.80	1.20
JUAN GOMEZ DE LIANO | CONVERGE FIBERXERS	13	19.00	7.23	6.69	1.15	0.15
CJAY PEREZ | SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN	24	18.50	3.63	3.25	1.33	0.04
STEPHEN HOLT | GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL	19	13.16	5.84	2.79	1.05	0.00
JAPETH AGUILAR | GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL	19	11.89	6.68	1.53	0.21	1.47
RESERVES	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
CJ CANSINO | MERALCO BOLTS	18	18.50	4.56	1.33	1.17	0.39
ZAVIER LUCERO | MAGNOLIA HOTSHOTS	12	17.08	10.08	2.00	1.08	2.00
CHRIS NEWSOME | MERALCO BOLTS	16	15.88	3.88	3.50	0.81	0.25
JUSTIN ARANA | CONVERGE FIBERXERS	12	15.67	9.83	3.67	0.42	0.75
DON TROLLANO | SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN	23	15.43	4.09	1.48	0.57	0.22
JUSTINE BALTAZAR | CONVERGE FIBERXERS	13	14.92	14.23	3.23	0.92	0.92
ADRIAN NOCUM | RAIN OR SHINE E-PAINTERS	13	14.46	3.46	2.77	1.46	0.38

SOUTH ALL-STARS

COACH | CHOT REYES - TNT TROPANG 5G

STARTERS	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
CALVIN OFTANA | TNT TROPANG 5G	22	18.36	6.00	2.14	1.00	0.45
ROBERT BOLICK | NLEX ROAD WARRIORS	8	18.00	5.50	8.38	1.38	0.25
RJ ABARRIENTOS | GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL	19	17.53	3.26	3.79	1.37	0.11
JUNE MAR FAJARDO | SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN PHL CUP BPC / FINALS MVP	24	17.29	17.00	3.71	0.67	0.96
SCOTTIE THOMPSON | GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL	19	14.21	7.26	6.21	1.26	0.47
RESERVES	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
ALEC STOCKTON | CONVERGE FIBERXERS	13	14.15	3.08	2.46	1.38	0.77
RR POGOY | TNT TROPANG 5G	16	13.44	2.81	2.00	0.81	0.13
JB BAHIO | NLEX ROAD WARRIORS	12	13.25	8.17	2.17	0.50	0.75
REY NAMBATAC | TNT TROPANG 5G	23	11.43	3.00	3.00	0.52	0.17
CAELAN TIONGSON | RAIN OR SHINE E-PAINTERS	8	10.75	8.25	1.75	0.38	0.00
SANTI SANTILLAN | RAIN OR SHINE E-PAINTERS	12	10.58	6.67	0.75	0.75	0.42
JERICHO CRUZ | SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN	23	9.52	2.48	2.48	0.96	0.00

And we might still see a couple of wildcards sneak into the lineup. There are potentially five players who could end up representing the country in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, and there’s a real chance that after grueling matches against Australia and New Zealand, some of them might beg off to rest their weary bodies instead of making the trip to Candon, Ilocos Sur. Injuries, as always, could also factor into the equation.

That said, I genuinely hope these players still suit up, even if it’s just for cameo appearances.

One of the underrated perks of staging the All-Star Games in the provinces is the level of fan participation. Unlike in Manila, the energy is almost always cranked up, and the crowds show up hungry for the spectacle. I’m also glad the league has at least a month to prepare for everything. While the PBA can do its part in making the Candon City Arena as festive as possible, the bigger concern should be the broadcast. All-Star Games are notorious for pulling in low TV ratings, so this window should give the league enough time to sell ad spots and package the event properly.

Still, with the league’s top players competing, I can see this year’s All-Star festivities turning out much better, helping further accentuate what has already felt like a golden year for the PBA.