(CNN Philippines) — Two-time Most Valuable Player award winners Danny Ildefonso, James Yap, and Willie Miller led the 15 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players feted during the league’s 40th anniversary Wednesday (April 8) at Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World Manila.
Completing the 15 stars that were enshrined as additions to the league’s list of 40 greatest players are one-time MVP awardees Jimmy Alapag, Eric Menk, Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams, Jayjay Helterbrand, Arwind Santos, and Mark Caguioa, with Chito Loyzaga, Marc Pingris, Jayson Castro, Kerby Raymundo, and Marlou Aquino.
“What is the PBA? Who is the PBA? Our honorees. We thank them sincerely for their contributions,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
Robert Jaworski, Alvin Patrimonio, Ramon Fernandez, Abet Guidaben, Bogs Adornado, Atoy Co, Benjie Paras, Freddie Hubalde, Philip Cezar, Ricky Brown, Johnny Abarrientos, Ato Agustin, Francis Arnaiz, Allan Caidic, Jerry Codinera, Hector Calma, Bernie Fabiosa, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Danny Florencio, Lim Eng Beng, Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Manny Paner, and Vergel Meneses were the initial batch feted during the league’s silver anniversary in 1990.
Jaworski, who was part of the selection committee, said they had a hard time selecting the 15 players.
Sports scribes Lito Tacujan, Gus Villanueva, Ding Marcelo, Ernie Gonzales, Jun Engracia, and Eddi Alinea – who covered the league during its early years – were also honored in the sporting gala night dubbed as “PBA FAB@40.”
