For the first time in a long while, a non-Barangay Ginebra player is leading the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Game polls.
Magnolia star Mark Barroca, who is now being considered as the league’s Ironman, is pacing the derby with a total of 124,352 votes as of 26 January.
Barroca, who has played non-stop since entering the league in 2011, has a streak of 556 games and he has been relishing the opportunity of feeling the love from the fans.
If the trend continues until 7 February, which is the last day for fans to cast their votes, Barroca would top the All-Star Game polls for the second time in his career.
A fan-favorite because of his hustle and amiable personality, Barroca also emerged as the top vote-getter during the 2017 All-Star Weekend that was held for the first time in Luzon (Lucena City), Visayas (Cebu) and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro).
At 37, there’s no time for Barroca to slow down, especially now that the Hotshots are on the verge of returning to the finals.
None would be sweeter than winning his seventh title and, at the rate of how things are going, it appears that emerging victorious is imminent.
After all, Barroca is now holding the fort as he is enjoying the longest active playing streak after LA Tenorio’s string of 744 games ended due to hamstring injury and was forced to take a break after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
He’s going to entertain the fans in the All-Star Weekend, that’s for sure, but Barroca has a bigger mission and that is to help the Hotshots take the fight out of the up and coming Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday’s Game 3 of their best-of-five semifinals series.
A win will put the Hotshots back to the best-of-seven finals series and give Barroca another opportunity of winning the crown.
This is their best moment as they’re not only healthier, but they have also become even better with a deeper bench following the acquisition of new players like Abu Tratter and Dave Murrell, a perfect fit import in Tyler Bey and much improved game from big man James Laput.
Although Magnolia coach Chito Victolero sees his veteran core play at least three more years, he believes that this is their best chance to win the title.
Barroca is in a race against time and doesn’t want to waste the opportunity as it’s been nearly six years since the last time they won a title.
A healthy Barroca is essential for the Hotshots’ title drive and now that he is making his mark, it’s up for the rest of the team to go on for the ride.
