GOLDEN BOYS
It took Nelson Asaytono nearly a decade to get his rightful place among the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) greats.
Some even say his wait was actually longer, as he was already worthy of being in the league’s 25th Greatest list back in 2000.
Those hardly mattered anymore on Friday night.
“Overwhelmed,” the bruising forward, who was known as “The Bull” in his heyday, told reporters in the pioneering pro league’s gala at Solaire in Quezon City.
“Maybe because of the wait. [But], finally,” he added.
Asaytono, a seven-time champion, was one of the new 10 players added to the PBA’s highly exclusive club. He learned of the good news from commissioner Willie Marcial, who called him to relay what fans and his peers have always known for years.
‘Honored’
“It feels really good,” said the former Swift and San Miguel ace, whose only blemish in career accolades was that he was never a league Most Valuable Player (MVP). “It’s like my life as a PBA player is finally complete.”
Attached to Asaytono’s hip through most of the night was Bong Hawkins, a member of the dynastic Alaska franchise who many felt was also snubbed.
“I wanted to hang myself,” he joked. “But it’s all OK now.”
“We’re honored to be part of this group, but as Nelson said, it should’ve been the case back then.”
As Asaytono reveled in the honor he later dedicated to his family and friends, he finally relented and reflected on how long it took for him to get his due.
“As a professional, I’ve accepted whatever may have happened,” he said.
“But now, I’m happy.”
Aside from Hawkins and Asaytono, also added to the list in celebration of the team’s golden anniversary were Arnie Tuadles, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Scottie Thompson, Jeffrey Cariaso, Yoyoy Villamin, Manny Victorino and June Mar Fajardo, the league’s only eight-time MVP.
