Powerade-Team Pilipinas will get their “real challenge” from the North All-Stars in the first game of the Motolite PBA All Star Week at the Victorias Gym in Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

"We're looking forward to this All-Star. We have a noble format in this year's All-Star Week, designed to help the RP team. We owe it to coach Yeng Guiao and the national team to help them," said North All-Stars coach Chot Reyes in a report by PBA.ph.

The RP squad is gearing up for the FIBA-Asia world qualifier in China in August and would need an avenue to hone its skills.

The North All-Stars, reinforced by imports Tiras Wade, Shawn Daniels and Jahmar Thorpe, are the first to challenge the Nationals at 7 p.m.
 
"The least we can do is to come out and give them a real challenge. If we don't play our best, we'll be of disservice to the RP team," Reyes said.

Reyes, a former Nationals coach, said he'll force Team Pilipinas into a running game with the North All-Stars. "I have at least five offensive sets in mind," he said.

Team Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao said they certainly welcome the challenge.

"It's a matter of pride for us. Losing would be an embarrassment," said Guiao.

The RP team is composed of Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi, Sonny Thoss, Kerby Raymundo, Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Reyes, Willie Miller, James Yap, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jared Dillinger, Cyrus Baguio and Arwind Santos.

The North team, on the other hand, is made up of Marc Pingris, Rico Villanueva, Macmac Cardona, Paul Artadi, JayR Reyes, Gary David, LA Tenorio, Joseph Yeo and Gabby Espinas.

After the tussle with the North All-Stars, the RP Team will face the South All-Stars in Panabo, Davao del Norte on Friday.

The culmination of the All-Star Week will be on Sunday when the Nationals face a combined North and South team at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.