When the PBA awarded its 40 Greatest Players on Wednesday night, one imposing figure was missing.
That man was Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, arguably the greatest center of the PBA.
Fernandez was supposed to receive an award but he skipped the event preferring to stay home in Cebu, a report from Cebu Daily News said.
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Aside from missing the event, Fernandez said that active players should not be included in the exclusive club which tabs itself as “the greatest.”
“I didn’t or don’t agree of adding 15 more for the 40th anniversary. They first did it in the 25th year so I figured it should be on the 50th. But again that is my personal view, the PBA officials may have other thoughts in in mind,” Fernandez, who won a Grand Slam with San Miguel, said.
He was also puzzled with the selection process which was as quick as a whistle.
“The haste that the last selection committee in selecting the additional 15 is mind boggling to me. Was it a fastbreak? Bulldozed? Is it true that they did it in less that three hours? At the very least it smacks of favoritism. No focus and commitment to the task given to them. I’ve always believed that awards, citations and the like, should be gauged by what you’ve done inside the basketball court, in this instance, and not in the boardroom,” he said.
“That’s part of the reason why I did not attend. The exclusion of several players who I personally believe should be there.”
New additions were two-time MVP’s Danny Ildefonso, James Yap,and Willie Miller, one-time MVP’s Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Kelly Williams, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, Mark Caguioa, and Arwind Santos, Jayson Castro, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, Chito Loyzaga, and Marlou Aquino.
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Loyzaga and Aquino are the only players who are retired, and the rest are still playing.
“Players who made an impact or guided and helped their team win games and championships should have been included,” he added. “No active players, they should be retired first. Something like you can’t be considered in the Hall of Fame before 10 years have elapsed, something like that. That is why I said they should have done it in the 50th anniversary.”
Players that Fernandez suggested were Abe King, Arnie Tuadles, Nelson Asaytono, Bong Hawkins and Danny Siegle.