Reyes to coach Fajardo, Austria to handle Aguilar in 2026 PBA All-Star Game

Save for the North and South team’s bench, all is set for the 2026 PBA All-Star Game in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

San Miguel chief tactician Leo Austria will handle Japeth Aguilar’s North team, while TNT mentor Chot Reyes will steer June Mar Fajardo’s South squad in the 2026 PBA All-Star Game at Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Candon City mayor Eric Singson made the draw that determined both coaches’ teams at the Mall of Asia Arena press room Wednesday night, Jan. 28.

The North-versus-South battle is the centerpiece event in the All-Star festivities set for March 6 to 8.

Aside from Aguilar, Austria will also have the Gin Kings stalwart Stephen Holt, Titan standout Calvin Abueva, Beermen ace Cjay Perez and Converge super rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño at his disposal.

Together with Fajardo, Ginebra stars RJ Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson, Tropang 5G winger Calvin Oftana and NLEX leader Robert Bolick will be under Reyes.

[RELATED STORY: June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar headline 2026 PBA All-Star]

Fans selected the starters for both teams through voting online and in game venues.

Fajardo (33,360) and Aguilar (24,104) received the most nods, but it was Abueva who topped the votes in Candon, according to league commissioner Willie Marcial.

Austria, Reyes and the remaining PBA coaches will determine the other players who will make up the bench of both teams.

Meanwhile, Abarrientos (42,862) and Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum (38,710) topped the votes in the Rookie/Sophomores-versus-Juniors game.

Completing the Abarrientos-led group are Converge’s Justine Baltazar and De Liano (37,802), Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield, Magnolia’s Jerom Lastimosa, Elasto Painter Caelan Tiongson, Phoenix’s Kai Ballungay, Meralco’s CJ Cansino, Ginebra’s Sonny Estil, Bossing Dalph Panopio, Terrafirma’s Mark Nonoy (20,498) and RoS’ Felix Lemetti.

Joining Nocum in the Juniors squad are Phoenix’s Ricci Rivero, Holt (35,584), Hotshot Zavier Lucero, Meralco’s Brandon Bates, Gin King Ralph Cu, Blackwater’s Christian David, TNT’s Kim Aurin (25,142), Titan’s Fran Yu, Fuel Master Kenneth Tuffin, FiberXer Schonny Winston and Giant Riser Cade Flores.

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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.

He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.