Justin Melton, Japeth Aguilar to challenge ‘Air Force’ Ellis for PBA slam dunk crown

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel forward Chris Ellis will encounter stiff aerial opposition when he defends his slam dunk title in the PBA All-Star Weekend at Mall of Asia Arena.

San Mig Super Coffee Mixers rookie Justin Melton and fellow Gin Kings flyer Japeth Aguilar will challenge ‘Air Force’ Ellis for the crown he won last year in Digos City, Davao Del Norte.

Rounding out the lineup are former NCAA slam dunk champion Rey Guevarra and Cliff Hodge of the Meralco Bolts, Arwind Santos of San Miguel Beer, and Calvin Abueva of the Alaska Aces.

Rain Shine guard Chris Tiu will put his three-point shootout title on the line against a crack field that includes the PBA’s top guns.

Former champion James Yap of San Mig Coffee and scoring champion Gary David of Meralco lead the field, which also includes Larry Fonacier of Talk ‘N Text, Mac Baracael of Ginebra, Mac Cardona of Air 21, JVee Casio of Alaska, Mark Macapagal of GlobalPort, Ronjay Buenafe of Barako Bull, and Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel Beer.

Air 21′s Jonas Villanueva, meanwhile, goes for another win in the obstacle race that will also include Casio, Willie Miller of Barako Bull, LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort, John Wilson of Meralco, Paul Lee of Rain or Shine, Sol Mercado of San Miguel Beer, Mark Barroca of San Mig Coffee, and Jayson Castro of Talk ‘N Text.

The All-Star festivities will be held from April 3 to 6 at Mall of Asia Arena.