Relive the PBA All Stars 2015: Top 5 Unforgettable Moments and Game Highlights

I still remember the excitement building up as I walked into the Smart Araneta Coliseum back in 2015, the air thick with anticipation for what would become one of the most memorable PBA All-Star weekends in recent memory. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a sixth sense for when something special is about to happen, and that weekend in Puerto Princesa had all the ingredients for greatness. The 2015 edition stood out not just for the spectacular plays but for the narratives that unfolded - stories of veterans proving their worth, rising stars making their mark, and moments that would be replayed in highlight reels for years to come.

What made that particular All-Star weekend so compelling was how it perfectly captured the transition happening in Philippine basketball at that moment. We had established stars like James Yap and Marc Pingris showing why they remained forces to be reckoned with, while younger players like Calvin Abueva and Stanley Pringle were beginning to stake their claim to the spotlight. I recall sitting courtside next to veteran sports journalist Tony Atayde, who leaned over during warm-ups and whispered, "Watch how these kids play today - they're not just here to have fun anymore." He was absolutely right. The competitive fire burning beneath the exhibition atmosphere created an electric tension that translated into some genuinely breathtaking basketball.

The first moment that still gives me chills thinking about it was James Yap's shooting clinic during the Three-Point Shootout. Now, I've seen plenty of great shooters in my time covering the PBA, but what Yap did that Saturday was something else entirely. He didn't just win - he dominated with a final round score of 24 points, which at that time was one of the highest scores in the event's history. The way the ball barely touched the net on most of his shots was a thing of beauty. His performance reminded me of something MPBL commentator Cedelf Tupas once noted about great shooters having "great mechanics on his shot and footwork," and Yap exemplified that perfectly. His form was so pure, so repeatable, that even under pressure, he made it look effortless.

Then came the main event - the All-Star game itself, which delivered one of the most thrilling finishes I've witnessed in my career. With just seconds remaining and the score tied, we saw June Mar Fajnier, who had been relatively quiet throughout the game, establish position in the paint and demand the ball. The defense collapsed on him, but with incredible presence of mind, he kicked it out to a wide-open Paul Lee who drained the game-winning three-pointer as time expired. The arena erupted in a way I haven't heard often, even during championship games. What impressed me most wasn't just the shot itself but the basketball IQ Fajnier showed in that moment - recognizing the double team and making the perfect read. That's the kind of veteran savvy you can't teach.

Another unforgettable highlight came during the Slam Dunk Contest, where rookie Chris Newsome announced his arrival in spectacular fashion. His between-the-legs dunk from just inside the free-throw line wasn't just technically impressive - it was audacious, creative, and executed with a flair that brought the entire crowd to its feet. I remember looking over at the judges' table and seeing even the typically stoic Alvin Patrimonio with his mouth wide open in disbelief. That dunk scored a perfect 50 and essentially sealed the victory for Newsome, but more importantly, it signaled the arrival of a new generation of high-flyers in the PBA.

The fourth moment that stands out in my memory is the showdown between Gilas Pilipinas teammates Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag during the All-Star game itself. With about five minutes left in the third quarter, they went head-to-head in a sequence that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Castro would blow by Alapag with his signature speed, only for Alapag to answer back with a deep three on the next possession. This went on for three consecutive trips down the floor, each player trying to one-up the other while sharing smiles and knowing looks. It was a beautiful display of competitive camaraderie that showcased why both players have been so vital to Philippine basketball.

My personal favorite moment, however, came during what many might consider a quieter part of the weekend - the Legends Game that opened the festivities. Watching former stars like Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codiñera take the court again was nostalgic enough, but when 42-year-old Vergel Meneses drove baseline and threw down a two-handed dunk, the place went absolutely wild. Meneses, who had won multiple Slam Dunk contests in his prime, proved that age hadn't completely stolen his hops. That dunk became symbolic of the entire weekend - a celebration of Philippine basketball's past, present, and future all at once.

Reflecting on that 2015 All-Star weekend now, what strikes me is how it perfectly encapsulated the state of Philippine basketball at that crossroads moment. We had veterans proving they still had plenty left in the tank while a new generation was ready to take the mantle. The transition reminded me of conversations I've had with colleagues about players moving between leagues, like when MPBL commentator Cedelf Tupas discussed whether certain players could make the jump to the PBA, noting that while they have "great mechanics" and are "veterans of many high pressure games," the question remains whether they can compete where "shooting guards are bigger." That 2015 All-Star weekend answered similar questions about several players who used the platform to prove they belonged among the PBA's best.

The statistical achievements from that weekend still hold up years later - from Yap's 24-point three-point performance to the record-breaking 37 assists dished out by the winning team in the main game. But beyond the numbers, what made that weekend special was the sheer joy and competitive spirit on display. In an era where professional sports can sometimes feel like all business, the 2015 PBA All-Stars reminded everyone why we fell in love with basketball in the first place. The laughter between opponents, the creative plays you'd only see in an All-Star setting, and the genuine appreciation fans showed for all the players created an atmosphere I haven't seen replicated since. If I could relive any PBA weekend from my years covering the league, the 2015 All-Stars would be right at the top of my list, not just for the basketball but for the complete experience that celebrated everything great about the sport in the Philippines.