Nelson Asaytono had a storied PBA career that many believed made him deserving of a spot among the PBA's Greatest list for a long time now.
Awe was palpable when Nelson Asaytono walked the red carpet at the Solaire North with fellow PBA greats Alvin Patrimonio and Bong Hawkins.
Here’s a man who rarely makes an appearance in the league since his departure in 2006.
But the man dubbed as “The Bull” had to show up on Friday, April 11, as the PBA honored him as one of the newest members of the league’s 50 Greatest Players.
Nelson Asaytono | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“OK naman, masaya kami. Finally, nakasama rin kami,” said Asaytono when reporters swarmed him.
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While not a few fans, pundits and fellow players thought his inclusion was long overdue, the 58-year-old is simply happy he is now included in the elite circle.
“OK lang naman. Parang as a professional PBA player, tinatanggap na namin 'yon kung ano mang nangyari samin. Pero OK na. Masaya na kami,” Asaytono said.
In an illustrious career that started in 1981, Asaytono dazzled fans with his offensive repertoire and high-flying acts.
As a high-scoring cager, the former San Miguel cager won seven PBA championships, a pair of Best Player of the Conference plums and a Scoring Title.
He was a 10-time PBA All-Star, a member of the Mythical First Team thrice and the Second Team four times.
This recent milestone simply tops all that.
“Masarap sa feeling kasi kumbaga parang part ng life mo as a PBA player na nag-retire. Thank you. Maraming salamat sa PBA,” Asaytono said.