The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
Ten more basketball greats, led by eight-time MVP winner June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer and 2021 MVP awardee Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra, will be added to the list of “50 Greatest Players of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Fajardo, nicknamed the “Kraken” and Thompson will be formally bestowed honors during the 50th anniversary celebration of the PBA, Asia’s first play-for-pay league, on April 11 at the Solaire North.
Both Fajardo and Thompson are the only active players in the list of 10 additions to the distinguished club of players who made a lasting impact on the league’s first 50 years.
Joining Fajardo and Thompson are Nelson “The Bull” Asaytono, Jeffrey “The Jet” Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Manny Victorino, Elpidio “Yoyoy” Villamin and the late Arnie Tuadles.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the 10 new additions were selected by the PBA Selection Committee following 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 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,” added Marcial.
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.
Expected to welcome the new members of the all-time PBA greatest roster are the 40 players 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 league formally 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.
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.