Heroes versus Saints: NCAA basketball aces, Kapuso stars assemble for ‘GMA NCAA All-Star Basketball Game’ this Sunday

GMA Network and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bring some of the country’s hottest celebrities and student-athletes together in the exciting court action “GMA NCAA All-Star Basketball Game” happening this Sunday (June 5), 3PM at the FilOil Flying V Center and simulcast on GTV.

It’s the collision basketball fans should not miss as student-athletes from the ten-member schools of NCAA and Kapuso artists try to battle it out on court to determine who will prevail between Team Heroes and Team Saints.

Leading Team Saints is NCAA Season 97’s MVP-Rookie of the Year Rhenz Abando of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Abando will be joined by his fellow Letran Knight cager Brent Paraiso; San Beda University Red Lions Ralph Penuela and Yukien Andrada;  University of Perpetual Help System DALTA  Altas Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon; De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Blazers Will Gozum and Prince Carlos; and San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags Ichie Altamirano and Ammar Cosari.

Adding more star power to team Saints are the Kapuso celebrities Rocco Nacino, Paul Salas, Gil Cuerva, Pancho Magno, Jose Sarasola, and Kirst Viray.

Up for the challenge are the players of Team Heroes bannered by Arellano University Chiefs Kai Oliva and Gelo Sablan; Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals Allen Liwag and Ralph Robin; Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates Mac Guadaña and Enoch Valdez; José Rizal University Heavy Bombers JL delos Santos and Marwin Dionisio; and Mapua University Cardinals Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez.

Joining them in the squad are Kapuso actors Jason Abalos, Mavy Legaspi, David Licauco, Mark Herras, Ervic Vijandre, and Luis Hontiveros.

Expect hard court action and fun games with the special participation of other surprise guests. Viewers should also catch the performances from Hannah Precillas, Jessica Villarubin, and Mariane Osabel, and Zephanie Dimaranan.

“We would like to invite everyone to watch our postseason exhibition game this Sunday, June 5, and root for Team Saints and Team Heroes,” said NCAA Season 97 Management Committee Chairman Manuel Raymund Castellano, Jr. of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. “Our student-athletes are excited to play with their fellow varsity players from other schools. Add to this is the presence of their Kapuso celebrity idols so expect a very intense yet fun game this Sunday. We would like to thank GMA Network for making this possible and to our guest artists for taking the time out from their busy schedule,” he added.

“The success of the NCAA Season 97 Men’s Basketball tournament will not be possible without the support of all the NCAA fans and Kapuso viewers. Allow us to thank you through this special treat – the ‘GMA NCAA All-Star Basketball Game’ – featuring some of the league’s best players going up against our favorite Kapuso artists,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso. “While this is a friendly competition, expect an intense basketball battle like no other as the Saints and Heroes are out to prove who are kings on the court.”

The ‘GMA NCAA All-Star Basketball Game’ will be anchored by Synergy Sports host Martin Javier. Joining him are sports analyst Martin Antonio and guest analyst Jerry Codiñera.

Hosting the program are Synergy Sports host Anton Roxas and NCAA Game On host Sophia Senoron.

Don’t miss the ‘GMA NCAA All-Star Basketball Game’ on June 5, airing live on GTV at 3 PM.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmax.ph.

Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports’ Facebook and Twitter pages. Kapuso abroad can catch all the action via GMA News TV International.

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.