The PBA announced on Wednesday the 10 players who will be added to the PBA 50 greatest list, in time for the league’s 50th anniversary on April 9, 2025. The list was chosen by an esteemed committee of former players, a former commissioner, and several media membes.
“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 on the new selections for the PBA 50 greatest list. “For the players eventually selected to be included in the honor roll, congratulations, and we salute you for your great contribution to the league.”
The 10 players who are now part of the PBA 50 greatest list are as follows:
June Mar Fajardo
Fajardo is an eight-time MVP and is considered by some as the PBA’s GOAT, and his inclusion to the PBA 50 greatest list is very likely a no-brainer.
Scottie Thompson
The youngest on this list, Thompson automatically merited inclusion as he’s a former MVP (2022). But his championships and accolades speak for themselves, too.
Danny Seigle
Seigle was among the wave of Fil-Ams who joined the league in the 2000s, and he was arguably one of the most dynamic and explosive of them all. He formed one-half of San Miguel’s two Dannys (along with Danny Ildefonso).
Jeffrey Cariaso
Known as “The Jet,” Cariaso came in as a slasher-defender for coach Tim Cone’a Alaska squad that won a Grandslam in 1996. He ultimately became a complete, well-rounded player.
Nelson Asaytono
The man called “The Bull” wasn’t just a pillar of strength; he was also arguably one of the finest scorers the PBA has ever seen. He probably should’ve won at least a couple of MVPs.
Manny Victorino
Victorino was a big man ahead of his time—fast, agile, and mobile. He also had a superlative post game, ran the break like a gazelle, and shot like a guard.
Bong Hawkins
Hawkins wasn’t winning a track meet. He wasn’t outjumping anyone. But his basketball IQ was up there, and he knew how to play hoops. He was a pillar of Cone’s dominant Alaska teams in the 1990s.
Abe King
King was a force at the post in his time—strong as a bull, smart as a point guard, and with the moves of premier post player.
Arnie Tuadles
Tuadless was a scorer in his heyday, combining pinpoint shooting with contorting lay-ins and hangtime moves.
Yoyoy Villamin
The “Bicolano Superman” was super in so many ways. He was bullstrong and near unstoppable in the paint but was freakishly athletic for a big man.
Additions to PBA 50 Greatest List to Be Feted in Special Ceremony
The 10 new names that have now completed the PBA 50 greatest list will be feted in special rites on April 11 at Solaire North. It will be one week after the PBA opens the Philippine Cup on April 4 and two days after the league’s founding anniversary on April 9.
