The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has been graced by numerous talented players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Unfortunately, not all of them can be part of the GREATEST LIST of the league. In the last discussion about the PBA 40 GREATEST, these were the final cuts. Among them, Jeffrey Cariaso, Nelson Asaytono, Olsen Racela, Dennis Espino, Danny Seigle, Abe King, and Bong Hawkins stand out as exceptional athletes who have significantly contributed to the league’s rich history.
Jeffrey “The Jet” Cariaso
Jeffrey Cariaso, known as “The Jet”, is a Filipino-American professional basketball coach and former player. He played for various PBA teams, mostly with Alaska, for 15 seasons1. Cariaso was instrumental in Alaska’s 1996 Grand Slam championship run.
Nelson Asaytono
Nelson Asaytono, a Filipino retired professional basketball player, played for Purefoods, Swift/Sunkist/Pop Cola, San Miguel Beer, and Red Bull in the PBA during his 17-year career2. Asaytono is the fifth all-time career scoring leader of the league.
Olsen Racela
Olsen Racela, a retired PBA player, is considered one of the best point guards who ever played in the league4. He played for four teams during his playing career in the PBA but there’s only one franchise that has been nearly synonymous with him, and that’s Alaska4.
Dennis Espino
Dennis Espino, known for his physical inside play, was a cornerstone of the Sta. Lucia franchise5. He played under the shadows of Jun Limpot for seven years, then became the heart-and-soul of Sta. Lucia when his celebrated teammate was sent to Ginebra via a trade with Marlou Aquino in 2000.
Danny Seigle
Danny Seigle, a Filipino-American basketball coach and former professional basketball player, won the 1999 PBA Rookie of the Year and led San Miguel to six championships (out of a total of eight) during his career. He is also a two-time member of the Philippine national basketball team.
Abe King
Abe King, a Filipino former basketball player, was part of the champion PBA ballclub Toyota Tamaraws. He was the starting center of 1976 MICAA champion Crown Motors before its PBA parent team, the Toyota Tamaraws, called upon his services at the start of the 1977 PBA season7.
Bong Hawkins
Bong Hawkins, known as “The Hawk”, won 10 championships, including nine with the Alaska franchise, and scored a ton in the process8. Despite his nickname, Hawkins was known more for his skills and less for his jumping ability.
These players, each with their unique skills and contributions, have shaped the PBA into the exciting and competitive league it is today. Their legacy continues to inspire the next generation of players, proving that they are indeed the final cuts in the annals of PBA history.
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