Nelson Asaytono and Bong Hawkins both feel incredibly honored following their recognition among the PBA’s Greatest Players.
Both all-time greats did admit they felt a bit slighted by their non-inclusion in the first 40 players of the exclusive list, but as they say, time heals all wounds.
“Finally, nakasama rin kami,” said ‘The Bull.’ “As a professional player tinanggap na namin yun kung ano man ‘yung nangyari sa’min. OK na. Masaya na kami.”
“We feel honored na nakasama kami sa grupo na ‘to. Pero sabi ni Nelson, dapat dati pa,” seconded Hawkins with tongue in cheek.
The two spoke before the PBA’s gala to celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, where they came in with another member of the ‘PBA Greatest’ list in one of their contemporaries in Alvin Patrimonio.
It was, without a doubt, a sight to behold, that three of the league’s icons came together and gamely posed for photos on the red carpet.
But definitely, the night belonged to both Asaytono and Hawkins as the two legends have finally been included in the elite group — an inclusion that many fans and pundits alike believe was a long time coming.
“OK na. Muntik ako magbigti. Pero ngayon OK na,” joked Hawkins, drawing laughter from Asaytono and members of the press as well.
“Masarap sa feeling … Kumbaga part na ng life ko as a PBA player na nag-retire, so thankful. Maraming salamat sa PBA,” Asaytono said.
Making it all the more special for Hawkins is that he’s finally joined some of his Alaska teammates Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, and Jeff Cariaso — players who helped power the Milkmen in winning the Grand Slam in 1996.
“Masaya siyempre. ‘Yung core ng Grand Slam nandito kami lahat,” he said.
Asaytono and Hawkins were among the 10 latest additions to the PBA’s Greatest Players list as part of its golden anniversary celebration.
They joined the list together with Cariaso, the league’s only eight-time Most Valuable Player in June Mar Fajardo, 2021 MVP Scottie Thompson, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Arnie Tuadles, Manny Victorino, and Yoyoy Villamin.
#WATCH: THE BULL 🐂 AND THE HAWK 🦅
Nelson Asaytono and Bong Hawkins reflect on their incredible careers, both honored to land on the #PBA50 greatest players list 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/iwpwP2kF21
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 11, 2025
