NELSON Asaytono and Bong Hawkins are honored to finally become part of the PBA’s Greatest Players that many felt was a long-time coming.
Speaking before the gala night to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the league on Friday night at the Soliare Resort North in Quezon City, Asaytono and Hawkins admitted being a little slighted when they were not part of the first 40 players on the exclusive list.
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But whatever the ill feelings were, the two greats said that past is past and added they are just glad to be part of the 10 additional players voted in.
“Finally, nakasama na kami,” said Asaytono, whose career achievements include being a three-time Mythical First Team member, and two-time Best Player of the Conference.




“We feel honored na nakasama kami sa grupong ito pero sabi nga ni Nelson, dapat dati pa,” said Hawkins, a member of the 1996 grand slam team of Alaska, two-time Mythical First Team member, and two-time Mythical Second Team member.
“Tinatanggap na namin ‘yung kung ano ‘yung nangyari dati. Pero okay na, masaya kami,” said Asaytono.
“Ngayon, okay na. Na hindi ako [nakasama] nung una. Muntik ako magbigti. Pero ngayon, okay na,” Hawkins said in jest.
Asaytono and Hawkins were part of the new members of the Greatest Players along with former MVPs June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson, Abe King, Arnie Tuadles, Jeff Cariaso, Danny Seigle, Manny Victorino, and Yoyoy Villamin.
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