PBA great Benjie Paras welcomed with open arms former rival Nelson Asaytono as part of the league's Greatest Players list.
For the 56-year-old retired center, the recognition was long overdue.
"Alam naman natin yung talent ng tao. He's very versatile. He can shoot from the outside. He can post up. He can do whatever he wants. Malakas yung katawan ng tao. And I am happy na nakasama siya," said Paras, who was part of the television panel when the PBA officially announced the 10 additions to its 50 Greatest list on Wednesday night.
Asaytono was joined in the latest batch by Jeff Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Danny Seigle, Abe King, the late Arnie Tuadles, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, and active players and MVP recipients June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson.
Paras, a part of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players, thought Asaytono should have been in the list even earlier, adding, 'there's no question about that.'
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Of course, the two-time league MVP knew Asaytono very well.
They were teammates with the 1986 Philippine youth team and belonged to the same Rookie Class of 1989 where Paras was taken no. 1 overall by Formula Shell and Asaytono at no. 2 by Purefoods.
They had memorable battles against each other as among the premier big men during their time.
"Very talented talaga siya and sobrang lakas ng katawan," said Paras in recalling those days playing against 'The Bull.'
Ironically, Paras retired from the league three years earlier than Asaytono.(RG)
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