PBA rolls red carpet on cage legends in gala night

MANILA, Philippines — Two days after celebrating its 50th anniversary with a pair of explosive games at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, the Philippine Basketball Association extended its festivities by welcoming the 10 newest additions to the PBA's 50 Greatest Players list on Friday night at Solaire North in Quezon City.Legendary figures led by Nelson Asaytono, Bong Hawkins, Manny Victorino, Danny Seigle and Jeffrey Cariaso headed the strong cast for the 10 new additions, spiced up by the league's superstars June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, the only eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player, along with Barangay Ginebra's do-it-all guard Scottie Thompson.Other PBA legends who were feted on the special gala night include Abe King, Yoyoy Villamin, and the late Arnie Tuadles.The 48-year-old Seigle was beaming with joy, not only because he was named to the PBA's 50 Greatest Players list, but at the same time, being reunited with his former long-time San Miguel Beer teammate Danny Ildefonso.Known for his moniker "Dynamite Danny", Seigle and Ildefonso helped the Beermen to seven league championships during their time from 1999-2009."I know there's a lot of conversation about (me) not making the top 40, but I'm here in the present. I'm very happy now," Seigle told media men. "I was happy, I was excited for this tonight, to see people I haven't seen for so long, some incredible people." Adding glitz and glamour to the PBA gala night were former players and current ones as they get a chance to interact with legendary cage figures from the pro league as well.