NorthPort rookie Cade Flores has expressed his disappointment at not being included in this year’s PBA All-Star festivities, believing the selection process was more of a popularity contest rather than based on performance.

While acknowledging the talents of the rookies, sophomores, and junior players chosen for the Team Greats vs. Team Stalwarts game in Bacolod City from March 22-24, Flores couldn’t help but feel overlooked. “I was like, probably it was a popularity contest,” he remarked when asked about his omission from the All-Star lineup.

Flores, a former standout from Arellano University, believed his performance warranted his inclusion. As the runner-up in the race for the Rookie of the Year award behind Terrafirma’s Stephen Holt during the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup, Flores felt he deserved a spot based on his stats and contributions to NorthPort.

The official voting results revealed a list of 20 players chosen for Team Greats and Team Stalwarts, leaving Flores off the roster. Despite being among the top vote-getters from the media, Flores was not among those selected, leaving him frustrated with the selection process.

“I was kind of mad just because I felt I was not respected,” Flores expressed. “Yeah, a little disrespectful, but it is what it is.”

As a first-round pick by NorthPort and a regular in coach Bonnie Tan’s rotation, Flores believed his efforts on the court warranted recognition. Despite the setback, Flores remains focused on continuing to prove himself on the hardwood and making an impact for NorthPort in the upcoming games.