The search for the next 10 additions to the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players is officially underway, and three legendary MVPs are leading the charge. League commissioner Willie Marcial announced that Allan Caidic, Ramon Fernandez, and Atoy Co would be part of the selection committee to finalize the prestigious list.
Joining them on the panel are champion coach Dante Silverio, former league commissioner Sonny Barrios, and some of the country’s most respected sports media figures—Ding Marcelo (Bulletin), Al Mendoza (Philippine Daily Inquirer), Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star/PSA president), as well as veteran broadcasters Quinito Henson and Andy Jao.
This esteemed 10-man committee will convene on February 6 to carefully review the league’s best, assessing players by era, starting from the PBA’s founding year in 1975.
The challenge for the committee is making a list that feels fair and universally acceptable—which, let’s be real, is almost impossible. Not to sound harsh, but the 25 and 40 Greatest Players lists had more than a few questionable inclusions. Just take Manny Victorino as an example—when you compare his career to some of the names that made it, how is he still not on the list?
Before the official list is revealed, I have to weigh in. My selections are based on the players who truly deserve the honor and those who best represent the most significant eras in PBA history.
Game starts now.
THE KRAKEN | JUNE MAR FAJARDO
If there’s one player who is a lock for the next batch of PBA’s Greatest Players, it’s June Mar Fajardo. No one has dominated the league quite like The Kraken, who owns a record in MVPs won and BPCs collected, and is tied with Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap for most Finals MVP wins. His combination of size, skill, and footwork made him the most dominant center of his generation, anchoring San Miguel’s dynasty and racking up championships like they were routine.
What sets Fajardo apart is his evolution as a player. Early in his career, he relied on sheer size, but over time, he developed a reliable mid-range shot, improved passing, and elite defense, making him an even bigger problem for opponents. His humility and team-first approach only add to his greatness. There’s no debate—Fajardo isn’t just one of the greatest big men in PBA history; he’s one of the greatest players, period. The only real question left is: how much more can he add to his legacy?
ARNIE TUADLES
He was the definition of effortless scoring. Whether it was in the post, mid-range, or off the break, the former UV Green Lancer made everything look easy. As a rookie in 1979, he wasted no time proving he belonged, winning Rookie of the Year while helping Toyota dominate the league. Unlike most first-year players who take time to adjust, Tuadles played with the poise of a veteran, seamlessly fitting into a powerhouse squad loaded with stars.
And this is why I don't get why he wasn't part of the 40 Greatest Players List. He was a teammate of Robert Jaworski, who spearheaded the search for the additional 15 players.
Anyway, Tuadles was a key contributor to multiple championship runs, adapting his game as the league evolved. Whether as a primary option or a role player, he delivered when it mattered. His ability to score in a variety of ways, combined with his winning pedigree, should have given him a first-ballot pass to The Greatest Players List. His story may have had a tragic end, but his impact on the game remains undeniable.
ABE KING | THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Abe King was more than just a bruiser—he was the perfect blend of toughness, defense, and skill. As one of the cornerstones of the legendary Toyota franchise, King embraced his role as the team’s enforcer, battling the league’s best big men while still contributing on offense. He wasn’t just there to bang bodies; he had a solid mid-range shot and the ability to finish inside, making him a reliable scoring option when needed.
His career longevity is also impressive. After Toyota disbanded, he was more than just a system player with Gold Eagle Beer, Great Taste, and Purefoods, but a legit force in any shape or form. His defense and leadership were crucial to multiple title runs, and his ability to thrive in different eras makes him one of the best big men in PBA history. When you talk about the toughest players to ever set foot on the hardwood, Abe King’s name is always in the conversation.
THE MAIN MAN | MANNY VICTORINO
In a time of chaos and uncertainty because of the country's political atmosphere, Manny Victorino's gameplay stood out. With his agility, quickness, and soft shooting touch, Victorino wasn’t the biggest or strongest big man on the court, but what he lacked in sheer power, he made up for with skill and versatility. A key piece of the legendary Great Taste Coffee Makers during the height of their championship years, Victorino proved his worth early by complementing a stacked lineup with his inside presence and ability to run the floor.
Though he often played in the shadow of bigger names, his contributions to some of the best teams in PBA history should not be overlooked. There was even a time when you couldn't trade for either Ramon Fernandez or Abet Guidaben without adding Manny Victorino to the discussion. If we're talking about the greatest big men who impacted the game beyond just rebounding and shot-blocking, Manny Victorino deserves his place on this list.
THE BULL | NELSON ASAYTONO
If there’s one name that constantly comes up in the “greatest player never to win an MVP” conversation, it’s this guy. Nelson Asaytono was a walking bucket during his prime, blending brute strength with finesse, footwork, and an underrated mid-range game. He was a scoring machine who dominated in multiple eras, from his early days with Purefoods to his prime years with the Swift Mighty Meaties / Sunkist Orange Juicers and the San Miguel Beermen.
The unstoppable Asaytono finished a couple of MVP votes shy twice despite putting up monster numbers. While the MVP trophy eluded him, there’s no denying his place in PBA history. I don't know what he did to miss out on the 40 Greatest Players list, but there is no denying that he deserves a spot among the PBA’s all-time greats.
DYNAMITE | DANNY SEIGLE
Danny Seigle redefined the combo forward position the minute he arrived to the scene. The unstoppable scoring machine from Wagner made San Miguel a dynasty in the late '90s and early 2000s, almost became the second player to become Rookie MVP. At his peak, Seigle was virtually unguardable—too quick for big men, too strong for guards, and armed with a deadly hangtime jumper that made him a nightmare matchup.
Seigle helped the Beermen to multiple championships while racking up eight PBA titles and four Finals MVPs. Injuries may have slowed him down in the latter part of his career, but his dominance during San Miguel’s reign cannot be denied. Many consider Seigle one of the greatest players never to win an MVP, bringing a mix of athleticism, skill, and scoring prowess that paved the way for the stars that followed. When we talk about the best of the best, Danny Seigle has to be in the conversation.
THE HAWK | BONG HAWKINS
Bong Hawkins wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was one of the most reliable, efficient, and fundamentally sound forwards the PBA has ever seen. In an era where highlight-reel plays often stole the spotlight, The Hawk quietly went about his business—scoring in the post, grabbing key rebounds, and making smart plays that helped his teams win.
He was a vital part of Alaska’s '90s dynasty, serving as the perfect complement to Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa. With his deadly baseline jumper, Hawkins was a go-to guy when the team needed a bucket. His efforts helped Alaska secure a grand slam in 1996, cementing their place in PBA history. He may not have had the loudest career, but his impact was undeniable. If consistency, winning, and quiet excellence define greatness, then Bong Hawkins more than deserves his place on this list.
THE JET | JEFFREY CARIASO
When the game was on the line, you knew Jeffrey Cariaso was a guy you could count on. With his smooth mid-range jumper, strong drives to the hoop, and lockdown defense, Cariaso was the ultimate two-way player who could hurt you on both ends of the floor.
Nicknamed the "Jet," he was a key piece in multiple championship runs, most notably with Alaska's grand slam in 1996, his move to Mobiline a season later, and almost-MVP showing with the Coca-Cola Tigers in 2002. Cariaso was also named Finals MVP in 2003, proving his ability to step up in the biggest moments. Cariaso’s career was built on consistency, hard work, and a winning mentality. For a player who gave everything to the game and left an impact beyond the box score, Jeffrey Cariaso deserves to be among the PBA’s all-time greats.
THE BICOLANO SUPERMAN | YOYOY VILLAMIN
Yoyoy Villamin built his career on relentless defense, inside scoring, and unmatched toughness, making life miserable for opposing frontcourt players. One of the most underrated superstars to strut their wares in the PBA, The Bicolano Superman has experienced a lot in his PBA tenure.
He won a grand slam with the Crispa Redmanizers, almost won an MVP title with Alaska, and boasted a career that spanned nearly two decades. He is also one half of Alaska's Bruise Brothers combo alongside Ricky Relosa, and eventually Abet Guidaben. His ability to dominate the paint, grab key rebounds, and deliver in crunch time helped his teams contend for championships throughout the 80s and 90s. His blue-collar work ethic, defensive tenacity, and willingness to do the dirty work (not to mention his super over moniker) cement Yoyoy's place among the PBA’s all-time greats.
RA-RA | OLSEN RACELA
For over a decade, Olsen Racela was the heart and soul of the San Miguel Beermen. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle led his teams to nine championships while facing the best guards in league history. Despite competing in an era that had Johnny Abarrientos, Ronnie Magsanoc, Dindo Pumaren, Bal David, Boybits Victoria, and Gerry Esplana, Racela earned multiple Mythical Team selections and helped San Miguel to two almost grand slams in 1999 and 2000.
And while yes, Olsen Racela’s averages aren't bulletproof for debate, the respect he commanded on the court from his teammates and opponents is a good reason to place him on the list. The mere fact that San Miguel had to scour for his replacement while he was still an active player is an indication of what he brought to the Beermen. For his longevity, success, and impact on one of the PBA’s most dominant franchises, Olsen Racela's name belongs to the Greatest Players list.
The way I see it, the PBA’s Greatest Players list functions more like our version of a Hall of Fame rather than a straight-up ranking like the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players. That’s why my choices aren’t just about individual stats and accolades—they’re also a way to correct some past omissions, especially when the list expanded from 25 to 40 players.
If we don’t recognize the pioneer-era players and the early 80s stars now, then when will we? That said, as much as I’d love to include legends like Rudy Kutch, Jimmy Mariano, Willie Generalao, Larry Mumar, Terry Saldana, Jimmy Manansala, Rene Canent, Estoy Estrada, and Yoyong Martirez, the reality is we only have 10 spots. And with June Mar Fajardo as an automatic selection, every remaining slot needs to have a strong case.
For me, Arnie Tuadles and Abe King deserve their spots because they were key figures in the Crispa-Toyota rivalry, a defining era of the PBA. Meanwhile, Manny Victorino and Yoyoy Villamin were torchbearers during the league’s transition in the ‘80s. Then we have Nelson Asaytono, Bong Hawkins, and Danny Seigle, three players who were almost MVPs and should have been recognized in the list a decade ago.
That leaves us with Jeffrey Cariaso and Olsen Racela, two names that might be in danger of being bumped off if the committee leans more towards older generations or considers other modern-era players like Dennis Espino, Jun Limpot, Bong Alvarez, Alvin Teng, Ali Peek, Gary David, or Jay Washington.
With so many deserving names, choosing just 10 is a tough call—but if we’re talking about true impact on the league, these are the guys who should make the cut.
Get Sydrified.