Alaska legends Bong Hawkins and Jeff Cariaso expressed gratitude and pride after being named among the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
Two pillars of Alaska’s championship dynasty in the '90s—Bong Hawkins and Jeff Cariaso—now have their names etched among the PBA’s all-time greats.
Hawkins and Cariaso were officially named to the league’s 50 Greatest Players list, joining former Alaska teammates Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa in the elite group.
Hawkins, known for his rugged play and versatility in the post that earned him an MVP in 1996 and a slot in the All-Defensive Team in 1994, said the honor comes as a sweet reward for a career that almost never took off due to early injuries.
“Finally. Siyempre, very honored na makasama sa very elite list ng greatest players sa PBA. Sa wakas,” the three-time PBA All-Star said in an interview on One PH’s Power & Play.
“Nung simula, ang hirap kasi rookie year ko injured agad ako. Then the following year, another injury, another surgery, so parang may doubt ka na tatagal ba ako dito sa PBA. It turns out na tumagal pala ako, so thank the Lord na humaba ‘yung career natin.”
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Meanwhile, Cariaso, who built a reputation as one of the league’s most skillful swingmen and reliable scorers that led to 10 PBA All-Star and four PBA Mythical First Team appearances, couldn’t hide his pride in sharing this milestone with his Alaska family.
“Of course, very honored. Honestly, I’m very humbled and blessed,” the 1995 Rookie of the Year awardee said. “When I started my career, the goal was just to earn playing time and help the team. I was fortunate enough to play with Johnny, Bong, and Jojo as my veterans. They really showed me the way.”
He also took a moment to highlight the special bond of being enshrined alongside his former teammates.
“It’s really special for me lalo na kasabay ko itong si Bong Hawkins. To be considered and recognized na nandun din si Johnny and Jojo — us four being there, representing Alaska — I think says a lot of that team during that time,” Cariaso added.
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Hawkins and Cariaso are both eight-time PBA champions and were key pieces of the Alaska squad that completed the rare PBA Grand Slam in 1996, making them part of one of the most celebrated eras in league history.
Even now, their names continue to resonate with fans as symbols of hard work, consistency, and championship pedigree.