The Star Magic All-Star Games 2023 Basketball Main event was a competitive affair, as reigning champions It's Showtime Team worked hard to secure the crown against the Star Magic Dream Team.
It was a close match, with the celebrity players showing some impressive defense and shooting prowess. It's Showtime family composed of Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Nyoy Volante, JC De Vera, Eric Tai, Zeus Collins, Kid Yambao, Vitto Marquez, Jin Macapagal, Johannes Rissler, and Polo Laure, and coached by Beaujing Acot and Arwind Santos was behind during the first and second quarters of the game.
Not only did they fight against skills, but they were also competing against legions of fans cheering and praying for their opponents, the Star Magic Dream Team headlined by Daniel Padilla, Gerald Anderson, Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie Alonte, and Zanjoe Marudo. Completing the squad were Jeremiah Lisbo, Miko Raval, Joseph Marco, Paolo Gumabao, Lance Carr, Argel Saycon, JV Kapunan, and Gerard Acao under the supervision of coach LA Tenorio, with Gerald acting as an assistant coach.
Camaraderie and skills were on full display throughout, and it got more and more intense in the latter part. The Star Magic Dream Team led for a long time, with Daniel raining three-pointer shots, while Gerald, Ronnie, and Lance showed up in supporting roles. However, tables turned when It’s Showtime fam started to keep up at the beginning of the third quarter. And up until the last second, both teams tried their best to steal, defend, and shoot. Boy, that was unpredictable, intense, and exciting!
At the end of four rounds, It’s Showtime Team clinched a back-to-back championship, automatically wiping out Star Magic Dream Team to a runner-up finish.
Ion was hailed as the game’s MVP. Joining him in the Mythical 5 selection were Daniel, Gerald, and Lance from Star Magic Dream Team and Johannes from It’s Showtime Team.