Danny Seigle was supposed to leave for Japan but had to push back his flight after receiving a call that bore the news he’s long been hoping for.
The PBA legend was notified that he’s among the 10 additions to the league’s Greatest Players list. And it was a no-brainer for him to delay the trip as he wanted to personally receive easily the biggest accomplishment of his career,
“I just got back to Manila and my good friend, Quinito (Henson), called me up and gave me the good news,” he said, referring to veteran broadcaster Quinito Henson.
“Actually, I’m supposed to be in Japan right now. He’s like, ‘You have to cancel your flight, you have to go.’ And I moved my flight. I’m actually leaving tomorrow morning. I couldn’t miss this,” added the 48-year-old.
Seigle spoke to reporters before the PBA’s gala night for its 50th anniversary celebration at the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City and hours later, he went on to take center stage to accept his golden ’50 Greatest’ plaque.
That moment immortalized his place in league annals, leaving him immensely honored to have finally been included as many believe that it was a long time coming after not making it to the previous 40 Greatest Players list.
The former San Miguel icon was aware of those discussions, but it’s already water under the bridge now — after all, nothing matters more than the present.
“I was hoping, I was praying,” he said.
“I know there were a lot of conversations about not making the Top 40 but I’m here in the present. I’m very happy now.”
Moreover, the eight-time league champion had the privilege of joining the exclusive group alongside people he holds in high regard.
“It’s a privilege to be in such great company coming in with June Mar Fajardo, who’s probably the best player — he’s the GOAT,” he said of the eight-time MVP, who’s been carrying the Beermen for over a decade now.
“And of course, Jeff Carisao who is a mentor to me, and my dad’s favorite player Nelson ‘The Bull’ Asaytono,” he added as they were all in attendance.
But it wasn’t just a night of recognition for Seigle but of nostalgia, too, as he got to reunite with some of his contemporaries during the celebration.
In fact, he even shared a tight, brotherly hug with Danny Ildefonso before the gala in a reunion of a dreaded frontcourt tandem that led the San Miguel franchise’s reign of dominance that ran from the late 90s to the mid-2000s.
“I was happy. I was excited — actually I was excited for this night, to see some people I haven’t seen in so long, some incredible people,” said Seigle.
“It’s been seven years since I’ve been around, so I’m really looking forward to this night.”
#WATCH: Danny Seigle is honored to be part of the prestigious #PBA50 list, alongside the one he considers the GOAT, June Mar Fajardo 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/NodgPcwnp9
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 11, 2025
