By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Filipino basketball superstars currently playing as Asian imports got the better of the selected Japanese Rising Stars, 118-114, to kick off the Japan B. League All-Star festivities last January 13, 2023, held at the Adastria Mito Arena in Ibaraki.
Matthew Wright spearheaded the Filipino offensive assault after dropping 14 big points while grabbing nine rebounds and dished out a couple of assists.
Despite nearly melting down in the second half after blowing their 20-point lead at the half, the Filipinos still found a way to weather the storm and scored timely baskets in the final canto to secure the victory.
Backstopping Wright was former Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort Batang Pier center Greg Slaughter who contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.
Slaughter was automatic from the shaded lane and was the one who sparked their fiery second-quarter run where they ballooned their lead to double digits.
Former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons superstar forward Kobe Paras also put up an impressive performance after entertaining the Japanese fans with several acrobatic layups to finish with 12 markers.
Jordan Heading, a former member of the young Gilas Pilipinas crew mentored by coach Tab Baldwin, chipped in 11 points and five rebounds while Bobby Ray Parks Jr. had 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena were also present on the roster but Dwight Ramos didn’t see action as he is still nursing an injury.
Former PBA lottery pick Roosevelt Adams completed the All-Filipino star cast but failed to reach the double-digit mark against the young Japanese stars.
Japanese scoring machine Yasuki Okada delivered for the hometown bets after top-scoring the game with 26 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
