NBA All-stars vs Smart Gilas, PBA this July 2011

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has reportedly finalized a match-up between NBA All-stars and Smart Gilas Pilipinas as well as NBA All-stars versus a PBA selection. The exhibition games are scheduled on July 23 and 24, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum, according to reports.

NBA All-stars versus Smart Gilas, PBA this July 25-26, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum

The NBA roster includes Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Darko Milicic, Tyreke Evans, DeAndre Jordan and Mario Chalmers.

Among the PBA players set to face the NBA stars are James Yap, Marc Pingris, Rabah Al-Hussaini, Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Gary David and Gabe Norwood.

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas team aims to use the tune-up games as replacement for their canceled European training trip. The team is set to play in the Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei in August.

The event is also said to be a post-birthday celebration of basketball chief Manny V. Pangilinan who turns 65 this July 14th.

Update: According to TJ Manotoc, the basketball extravaganza will be held on July 23 and 24, not on the 25th and 26th as earlier reported. Final announcements are still to be made on Friday, though.