MANILA, Philippines – As great as they are on court, June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson were left jolted after their inclusion into the PBA 50 Greatest Players list.

Fajardo and Thompson expressed their surprise but acknowledged the gravity of the new accolade added to their names after receiving their recognition during the PBA’s gala night on Friday, April 11, at the Solaire Resort North Grand Ballroom. 

“First of all, I’m totally shocked, but I’m truly honored and blessed to be part of such an opportunity early in my career,” Thompson said. 

“At first, I could not believe it because the greatest are retired already,” Fajardo said in Filipino. “I’m thankful for being part of this. It’s such an honor.”

Thompson and Fajardo were the only active players included in the 50-player list after the PBA made 10 additions to the group for its 50th anniversary. 

Fajardo is widely considered the greatest of all time, having won the PBA MVP a record eight times on top of being a 10-time champion, an 11-time Best Player of the Conference awardee, and a four-time Finals MVP. 

The 35-year-old Fajardo has dominated the league with the San Miguel franchise, which drafted him in 2012. 

Thompson was the 2021 PBA MVP and won seven PBA titles with Barangay Ginebra Kings, who picked him in the 2015 draft. He also bagged the Best Player of the Conference award twice.

Except for Thompson, no other player has claimed MVP honors since Fajardo won his first one in 2014.

For the 31-year-old Thompson, the recognition will only push him to achieve greater things in his career.

“It just added to my motivation to work harder since there is still a lot that could happen in my career. I just want to be always ready and give the Ginebra fans good performances,” said the Ginebra guard, who also acknowledged the pressure of being among the best players in league history. 

“The pressure’s there, but like I’ve always said, it’s better to overcome that pressure and deliver,” he added. 

While Thompson has secured his legacy, his inclusion caused a major debate online as some fans questioned whether his accomplishments are enough for the Greatest distinction.

However, Thompson accepted the polarizing comments, saying that fans have the rights to express their opinions about the list.

“I totally respect whatever they say. Those are their opinions, and I also have my own… It’s all about respect,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Fajardo deflected praise as he eyes another championship to add to his rich legacy after missing out on the playoffs in the past Commissioner’s Cup.  

“All I focus on right now getting another championship. I don’t think much [of other things],” Fajardo said. 

The San Miguel legend thanked the icons of the past and hoped that the PBA standard they set will eventually be eclipsed by the current and future generations of players. 

“I’m thankful to those greats who came before us, because they set the standards for us,” he said. “We, and the next generation, are just following in their footsteps. Our job is to raise the standard of the league.” – Rappler.com