The selection committee tasked to pick the 10 names that will be included in the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players is expected to make a final decision soon.

Commissioner Willie Marcial believes that the committee could likely come up with a final list after Tuesday’s meeting, a month before the big league celebrates its golden anniversary.

Marcial said the PBA plans to stage a playdate on April 9, the exact date that the first set of games were held in 1975, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum—with San Miguel Beer and Meralco squaring off while sporting their early-80s and MICAA retro jerseys, respectively.

A gala event will come two days later where the 10 individuals are going to be introduced in the elite group with those named in the 40 Greatest Players back in 2015.

“Like I’ve said in the past, we asked the committee if it’s possible to put emphasis on those who played in the early years of the league,” Marcial said, adding that he also sought the likely inclusion of San Miguel Beer star and eight-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

Clamor

But there’s clamor among fans, young and old, for the likes of Arnie Tuadles, Abe King, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, Nelson Asaytono, Bong Hawkins, Danny Seigle, Olsen Racela, Jeffrey Cariaso, Ranidel de Ocampo, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson to be given the nod by committee members.

PBA MVPs Atoy Co, Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic, legendary Toyota coach Dante Silverio and former PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios are part of the selection committee that was formed in February.

Also on the committee are TV panelists Quinito Henson and Andy Jao, former Bulletin sports editor Ding Marcelo, ex-Inquirer sports editor Al Mendoza and Philippine Star sports editor Nelson Beltran. INQ