Your Ultimate Guide to PBA All Star 2024: Schedule, Players, and Predictions

Walking into the 2024 PBA All-Star weekend, I can’t help but feel that familiar buzz—the kind of electric anticipation only basketball at this level can bring. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen All-Star games shift from pure exhibition to something more nuanced: moments of raw competitiveness nestled within the spectacle. This year, I’m particularly intrigued by the narratives brewing behind the scenes—players stepping up, veterans leaving their mark, and those unpredictable final minutes that decide it all. It reminds me of something TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson pointed out recently, reflecting on a close game: “Having that lead, sometimes you get comfortable. It was good to see that. Chris (Ross), I love Chris to death. He brought the energy. He came in like a pitbull. But it came down to the last couple of plays.” That statement, simple as it sounds, captures the soul of the All-Star environment—a blend of camaraderie, intensity, and razor-thin margins.

Now, let’s talk schedule. The 2024 PBA All-Star festivities are spread across three action-packed days, from March 21 to 23, hosted in Iloilo City—a vibrant venue that’s drawn an average attendance of 12,000 fans in recent years. Day one kicks off with the Obstacle Challenge and Three-Point Shootout, followed by the Slam Dunk Contest, which I personally think has lost a bit of its flair over time, though this year’s lineup promises some fresh faces. The main event, the All-Star Game itself, tips off on March 22, with the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors face-off slated for March 23. If past trends hold, we’re looking at roughly 48 hours of non-stop basketball, with TV ratings expected to peak around 8.5 million viewers nationwide. I’ve always believed the schedule could use more fan interactions—maybe a mixed team scrimmage or a legends’ game—but the league seems committed to this format, and honestly, it works well for broadcast flow.

As for the players, the roster is stacked with both familiar icons and rising talent. June Mar Fajardo is a lock—his dominance in the paint is just unreal, and I’d wager he’ll put up at least 18 points and 10 rebounds if he plays over 25 minutes. Then there’s Scottie Thompson, whose all-around game brings that “pitbull” energy Chris Ross exemplified—the kind that shifts momentum in seconds. On the younger side, I’m high on Jamie Malonzo; his athleticism could steal the show in the dunk contest, and he’s averaged around 14 points per game this season. But let’s not forget the veterans like Ross, who may not light up the stat sheet but bring intangibles that Hollis-Jefferson’s quote so vividly highlights. In my view, Ross’s role is what makes or breaks these All-Star moments—when the game slows down, it’s the defenders and energy guys who decide outcomes.

Predicting the All-Star outcome is always a mix of stats and gut feeling. Historically, the North vs. South matchup has been tight, with the South winning 60% of the last five editions, but I’m leaning toward the North this year, mostly because of their depth in guard play. Expect a high-scoring affair—I’d say final score around 142-138—with MVP honors going to someone like CJ Perez, who’s been on a tear lately. But as Hollis-Jefferson noted, comfort zones can be dangerous; if one team builds a big lead early, we might see a collapse in the final quarter. That’s where players like Ross come in, injecting urgency when it matters most. From a tactical standpoint, I’d love to see more pick-and-roll sets and less iso-ball, but All-Star games tend to favor flash over fundamentals, so I won’t hold my breath.

Wrapping this up, the 2024 PBA All-Star isn’t just a showcase—it’s a microcosm of the league’s heart and hustle. Whether you’re tuning in for the dunks or the drama of those last-second plays, this event delivers. As I look back on past games, it’s clear that the most memorable moments often hinge on the unsung heroes, the “pitbulls” who refuse to let up. So grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride; I have a feeling this one will go down to the wire, just like Hollis-Jefferson said, where every possession counts and energy trumps everything.