PBA legend Nelson Asaytono is finally a member of the 50 Greatest Players.
Recognition finally came Nelson Asaytono’s way after the PBA announced him as part of the league’s 50 Greatest Players Wednesday, April 2.
Fans have long believed that Asaytono, with or without a Most Valuable Player recognition to his name, deserved to be part of the elite list.
The 6-foot-4 burly cager was a seven-time champion in a legendary career spanning 17 years. He was a two-time Best Player of the Conference, a scoring champion, and a member of the Mythical First team three times, among others.
But just how special was the man dubbed as “The Bull”?
Fellow league legend Ronnie Magsanoc said that it was in tough times that Asaytono honed his strength, making him unbreakable.
“Alam mo kung bakit malakas si Nelson? Noong bata pa siya, nagbubhat siya ng mabibigat para dalhin sa barko. So 'yong lakas niya, built through the years. Galing sa hirap kaya hindi umaayaw,” Magsanoc told One Sports after the announcement of the 10 players added to the exclusive club in time for the league’s upcoming 50th anniversary.
Asaytono's strength has never waned even in retirement, according to Magsanoc.
“'Yong lakas niya, hanggang noong pa-retire siya at 'di na siya bata, actually, hanggnag ngayon, malakas pa rin siya. It’s not just the offense, it’s not just the power — its the strength. That’s a gift not too many players in the PBA have,” the former Shell playmaker said.
Benjie Paras, the only PBA Rookie-MVP, shared the same sentiment.
“Hindi lang 'yan talented. Pag-usapan natin ang lakas ni Nelson. Nakasama ko siya during our RP Youth. Nakita ko kung paano maglaro si Nelson pero never siyang nag-weights halos,” said Paras.
Asaytono joins Jeff Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, June Mar Fajardo, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Scottie Thompson, Arnie Tulades, Yoyoy Villamin and Manny Victorino in this latest batch of greats.