EIGHT-time MVP winner June Mar Fajardo, 2021 MVP awardee Scottie Thompson and eight stalwarts from the early decades of the league are the 10 additions to the list of PBA greatest players to be bestowed honors in special rites on April 11 at Solaire North.
Fajardo, Thompson, Nelson Asaytono, Jeffrey Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin and the late Arnie Tuadles made the elite roster as announced by the PBA Selection Committee in the culmination of a series of thorough discussions and deliberations.
"Dumaan ito sa malalim na proseso nang pagpili, and the PBA would like to thank the members of the Selection Committee for the effort they rendered. Hindi madali ang kanilang naging pagpupulong dahil alam nating lahat na marami ang deserving," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
"For the players eventually selected to be included in the honor roll, congratulations, and we salute you for your great contribution to the league," Marcial added.
Former PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios chaired the committee also made up of other esteemed gentlemen in Ramon Fernandez, Atoy Co, Allan Caidic, Dante Silverio, Quinito Henson, Andy Jao, Al Mendoza, Ding Marcelo and Nelson Beltran.
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Fajardo and Co. will be feted in a fitting gala evening which serves as part of the festivities celebrating the league's 50th season.
Invited in the Solaire North affair to welcome the new members of the all-time PBA greatest roster are the 40 who made the list earlier in years 2000 and 2015.
Making the first batch were Johnny Abarrientos, Bogs Adornado, Ato Agustin, Francis Arnaiz, Ricardo Brown, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Atoy Co, Philip Cezar, Jerry Codinera, Kenneth Duremdes, Bernie Fabiosa, Ramon Fernandez, Danny Florencio, Abet Guidaben, Freddie Hubalde, Robert Jaworski, Jojo Lastimosa, Lim Eng Beng, Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Vergel Meneses, Manny Paner, Alvin Patrimonio and Benjie Paras.
Selected as the next 15 added to the group were Danny Ildefonso, Willie Miller, James Yap, Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Kelly Williams, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, Mark Caguioa, Arwind Santos, Jayson Castro, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, Chito Loyzaga and Marlou Aquino.
The Season 49 Philippine Cup opens Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. On July 9, the league celebrates its 50th founding anniversary with a special bill at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum featuring a clash between San Miguel Beer and Meralco in retro jerseys.
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Meanwhile, Season 50 unwraps on Oct. 5 with a special ceremony marked by a grand reunion where all living players, officials and other personalities are invited. (SB)
