THERE are 10 additional players in the PBA’s 50 Greatest list, but there’s one historic record that has yet to be shattered in the past 36 years—the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards won in the same season.
That distinction belongs to pro league great Benjie Paras, who, when asked about his riveting achievement in 1989 that still stands today, tried his might to downplay the milestone.
“Siguro, for me kasi getting that award was being at the right place at the right time, and with the right team,” Paras said last Wednesday night during the PBA’s announcement of the new cagers in the elite cast.
“Sa akin naka-focus lahat noong offense at that time. Lagi ko namang sinasabi na tao lang ako and records are meant to be broken. So, we’ll never know,” he added.
Nelson Asaytono, current Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso, reigning eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, former MVP and Ginebra playmaker Scottie Thompson, the late Arnie Tuadles, Manny Victorino, and Elpidio “Yoyoy” Villamin were the latest to be added to the pantheon of greatness.
Among the new inductees, armchair pundits were convinced Asaytono—aptly nicknamed “The Bull” for his bull-strong play—had long deserved the recognition.
The 6-foot-4 Asaytono, 58, was a two-time Best Player of the Conference and seven-time champion after stints with Purefoods, Swift/Sunkist, San Miguel Beer, Pop Cola, and Red Bull.
Paras agreed, saying: “Si Nelson parang overdue na rin na nakasama sa 50 Greatest players ngayon and alam naman natin ang talent ng tao. Very versatile. He can shoot from the outside. He can post up. He can do whatever he wants. Malakas iyong katawan ng tao and I’m so happy na nakasama siya.”
“Actually, yes (if Asaytono deserved to be in the list long before), no question about it pero siyempre that’s how it goes, that’s why we formed this committee.”
Paras, who had countless battles with Asaytono, said the former University of Manila star was a handful to defend.
“Mahirap bantayan kaya nga kapag nagkaroon ng switch, kasi, sentro ako, napunta sa akin doon na ako nahihirapan,” he said. “Kapag alam niyang magaling iyong dumedepensa, inilalabas niya tao niya. So, ganoon kahirap.”
The first 40 are Johnny Abarrientos, William “Bogs” Adornado, Jimmy Alapag, Renato “Ato” Agustin, Francis Arnaiz, Marlou Aquino, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Mark Caguioa, Jayson Castro, Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, Jerry Codinera, Kenneth Duremdes, Bernard Fabiosa, Ramon Fernandez;
Danilo Florencio, Alberto Guidaben, Freddie Hubalde, Jayjay Helterbrand, Danny Ildefonso, Robert Jaworski, Isabelo “Jojo” Lastimosa, Chito Loyzaga, Lim Eng Beng, Avelino “Samboy” Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Vergel Meneses, Eric Menk, Manny Paner, Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Marc Pingris, Willie Miller, Kerby Raymundo, Asi Taulava, Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams and James Yap.
