Jeffrey Cariaso ‘deeply honored’ to be part of PBA Greatest list

Jeffrey Cariaso, former Alaska player and head coach, is now part of the PBA Greatest List. – INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

Jeffrey Cariaso finally gained the ultimate validation for this illustrious PBA career on Wednesday night, when the league tossed his name into the 10 new players that it added to the “Greatest” list.

But at the height of his emotions, he elected to give credit to the teammates who have helped shape his career.

Cariaso, a member of the fabled Alaska Milkmen who ruled the 90s, thanked his teammate and fellow addition Bong Hawkins, along with Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa who were instrumental in transforming him into the player that he had become.

READ: Nelson Asaytono, high-profile snubs finally make PBA Greatest list

“Having Bong Hawkins on the same list makes this even more special. Bong, along with Johnny and Jojo were my veterans. I learned so much from them. They helped shape me into the player I eventually became,” he told the Inquirer shortly after the league’s in a made-for-television announcement.

Cariaso and Hawkins finally joined Abarreintos, Lastimosa, and Kenneth Duremdes in the fabled bunch after nearly 10 years.

Other players added to the league’s pantheon were Arnie Tuadles, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, Nelson Asaytono, Abe King, Danny Siegle, June Mar Fajardo, and Scottie Thompson.

Here are the 10 players named to the PBA 50 Greatest Players.

READ MORE: https://t.co/erSzp49B49 pic.twitter.com/npnx5lOgro

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

The lot is set to be formally enshrined in a gala on April 11 Solaire in Quezon City as part of the year-long revelries celebrating the league’s 50th founding anniversary.

“Honestly I’m deeply honored with this nomination. It means a lot to me,” ” said the 8-time PBA champion who also won a pair of titles with the Coca-Cola franchise. “A recognition like this culminates a career that I put blood, sweat, and tears in.”

“I’m humbled and feeling blessed. All I can truly say right now is thank you.”