He may not be the most skilled big, but Brandon Bates emerged as the PBA All-Star Obstacle Challenge champion for big men in the 2026 PBA All-Star festivities.
CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR -- Brandon Bates jumped all over in celebration as if he won a championship Friday night, March 6.
That's because he didn't expect to win PBA All-Star Obstacle Challenge for bigs at the Candon City Arena here.
"Shocked," Bates told reporters after receiving the plaque and the cash prize. "Honestly I thought I wass gonna be out in the first round."
He logged 22.86 seconds to beat Ramirez (27.26) and Laput (45.69).
But the Meralco big said luck played its part in him prevailing in the 12-man field which included ertswhile defending champion JM Calma, Japeth Aguilar, Justin Arana, Santi Santillan, and Henry Galinato.
That's because Laput was held back after making the layup using the wrong hand and Ramirez got delayed in the chest pass part.
"Sometimes it's just luck honestly. That run was pure luck," he said.
"Those two were way better, way skilled than I am. To have beaten them it's just pure beginner's luck."
Damie Cuntapay, Abu Tratter, Kai Ballungay, and top overall pick Geo Chiu also joined the contest.
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.