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June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, And PBA Legends Join Elite List Of Greatest Players
Photo credit: PBA
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is rolling out the red carpet for 10 more icons of the game. Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, 2021 MVP Scottie Thompson, and eight other legendary players from the league’s early years are set to receive one of the highest honors in Philippine basketball.

The PBA Selection Committee recently unveiled its newest batch of all-time greats, adding Fajardo, Thompson, Nelson Asaytono, Jeffrey Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, and the late Arnie Tuadles to the prestigious roster. These legends will officially join the ranks of the league’s greatest players in a special ceremony on April 11 at Solaire North.

A Rigorous Selection Process

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial emphasized how tough the selection process was, given the wealth of talent in the league’s history.

“Dumaan ito sa malalim na proseso ng pagpili, and the PBA would like to thank the members of the Selection Committee for their effort. Hindi madali ang kanilang naging pagpupulong dahil alam nating lahat na marami ang deserving,” Marcial shared.

“For the players eventually selected to be included in the honor roll, congratulations! We salute you for your great contribution to the league.”

The selection panel was chaired by former PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios and included esteemed figures like Ramon Fernandez, Atoy Co, Allan Caidic, Dante Silverio, Quinito Henson, Andy Jao, Al Mendoza, Ding Marcelo, and Nelson Beltran.

A Star-Studded Ceremony

Fajardo, Thompson, and the rest of the newest inductees will be honored during a grand gala night, which is part of the league’s 50th-anniversary festivities. Joining them at Solaire North will be the 40 players who made it to the all-time list in 2000 and 2015.

The original batch featured household names like Robert Jaworski, Alvin Patrimonio, Ramon Fernandez, Bogs Adornado, and Benjie Paras. The second group added stars like James Yap, Danny Ildefonso, Mark Caguioa, Jayson Castro, and Jimmy Alapag.

A Golden Year for the PBA

The PBA’s milestone season is packed with celebrations. The Season 49 Philippine Cup tips off this Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Then, on July 9, the league will mark its 50th anniversary with a special game at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, where San Miguel Beer and Meralco will don retro jerseys in a throwback showdown.

The celebrations continue on October 5, when the PBA officially launches Season 50 with a grand reunion, inviting all living players, officials, and basketball personalities who have shaped the league’s rich history.

With these latest additions to the list of all-time greats and a historic season ahead, it’s an exciting time for PBA fans. This golden anniversary is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the legends who built the league and the stars who continue to carry its legacy forward.
Apr 3, 2025
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