Past, present stars joining PBA big anniversary bash

In gratitude for the things they did for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) both in the past and present, the league is extending its invitation to all former players and officials to come and join the fun when the PBA commemorates its 30th anniversary on May 28 at the Araneta Coliseum.

League commissioner Noli Eala said the presence of these individuals would not only add prestige to the affair - powered by TM, ang bagong Touch Mobile ng bayan - but also give the special night a nostalgic backdrop.

"We hope all people who, at one time or another, had been a part and parcel of the league, will join us when the PBA looks back and celebrates its 30th anniversary," said Eala.

All ex-pros incidentally, will be free of charge at the Big Dome entrance.

Highlight of the event is the launching of the first ever PBA Hall of Fame and the lone featured encounter pitting the league’s 25 greatest players in a dubbed the ‘ TM Astig ! The PBA Greatest Game (Legends vs Greats).

Over the weekend, Eala announced the initial batch of inductees who made it to the Hall of Fame. They are star players Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Franciz Arnaiz, Philip Cezar, William Adornado, Atoy Co, coach Baby Dalupan, former Crispa team manager Danny Floro, league officials Leo Prieto, Emerson Coseteng, Rudy Salud and the late broadcaster Joe Cantada.

Meanwhile the rosters of both the TM Greats Hataw and TM Legends Laban had already been filled up following the special draft day held at the Shangrila Edsa hotel last week.

To be coached by Jaworski and assisted by Arnaiz, the TM Greats Hataw are composed of Fernandez, Manny Paner, Danny Florencio, Lim Eng Beng, Benjie Paras, Samboy Lim, Ato Agustin, Ronnie Magsanoc, Johnny Abarrientos and Kenneth Duremdes.

The TM Legends Laban will have Dalupan as coach and San Miguel mentor Jong Uichico for his assistant. The members of the team are Co, Cezar, Adornado, Alvin Patrimonio, Freddie Hubalde, Jerry Codinera, Jojo Lastimosa, Allan Caidic, Vergel Meneses and Hector Calma.