2 weeks Ago By N/A (Reynald I. Magallon)
“It’s a privilege to be in such great company coming in with June Mar Fajardo, who’s probably the best player — he’s the GOAT. And of course, Jeff Cariaso who is a mentor to me, and my dad’s favorite playerNelson ‘The Bull’ Asaytono,” said Seigle. Danny Seigle shared a long hug and spent a moment catching up with Danny Ildefonso.
It was the first time the two legends got together ever since they both retired from the game and since they formed a dreaded frontcourt combination for San Miguel back in the early 2000s. Incidentally, their reunion happened on the night Seigle was also joining Ildefonso in the PBA 50 Greatest Players List. “I was happy.
I was excited. Actually I was excited for this night, to see some people I haven’t seen in so long, some incredible people,” said Seigle who actually had to rebook a flight to Japan just to attend his induction to the elite list during the league's 50th anniversary celebration at the Solaire Hotel North, Friday, April 11. “It’s been seven years since I’ve been around, so I’m really looking forward to this night,” added the eight-time PBA champion, four-time Finals MVP and two-time Best Player of the Conference awardee.
Seigle was one of the 10 players added to the initial 40-player list to complete the league’s 50 Greatest Players. In his batch, he joined fellow retired PBA greats Jeff Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Arnie Tuadles, Yoyoy Villamin, Manny Victorino and Nelson Asaytono. Also part of the group are active players and MVPs June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson.
“It’s a privilege to be in such great company coming in with June Mar Fajardo, who’s probably the best player — he’s the GOAT. And of course, Jeff Cariaso who is a mentor to me, and my dad’s favorite player Nelson ‘The Bull’ Asaytono,” said Seigle. Long considered as the player who revolutionized the small forward position for his ability to play inside and outside, especially with his size for a wing, and agility for a big, many actually believed that Seigle should already have been a part of the list since the league first added names to the initial 25 players back in 2015.
But Seigle had no qualms about that as long as he’s been recognized as part of it now. “I know there were a lot of conversations about me not making the Top 40 but I’m here in the present. I’m very happy now,” said Seigle.
“I completely respect the process and the selection committee. I’m just stuck in the moment right now and I’m happy to be here,” he added..
