Reunion: Jaworski to play in reunion game (May 7, 2003)

Robert Jaworski, who had set aside his familiar role as basketball's living legend to serve as senator, accepted an invitation to suit up in the 2003 legends game between Crispa and Toyota.

Jaworski to play in Crispa-Toyota All-Star reunion game

pba.com.ph

Published Wednesday May 7, 2003

For one fleeting moment, PBA fans will be treated to a nostalgic spectacle and rare chance to travel down memory lane.

Oh yes, the Living Legend promised to be there wearing his famous No. 7.

Robert Jaworski, arguably the best thing that ever happened to Philippine basketball, on Monday said yes to an invitation to play in the 2003 All-Star Reunion Game, marking the return of the man they call the "Living Legend" after more than six years in retirement.

The superstar cager-turned-public servant has accepted an invitation by Commissioner Noli Eala after a hearing at the Senate Monday afternoon, saying he is “willing, eager and excited” in the match that will pit the former members of icon teams Toyota and Crispa.

“I am willing to help the PBA in a worthy cause and excited to step back on the court again (for the fans),” the Senator was quoted by Commissioner Eala as saying as Jaworski became one of the first legendary personalities to confirm participation in the first activity of the 2003 All-Star break.

The All-Star break will be a three-day extravaganza for the fans as the Toyota vs. Crispa legends game ushers in hostilities on May 30 with the Fans’ Day to open the following day.

The regular All-Star game featuring players making up Groups A and B of the on-going All-Filipino Cup will be played June 1.

Already, the Office of the Commissioner has said that a lot of the former Redmanizers — Atoy Co, Abet Guidaben, Philip Cezar and Freddie Hubalde — have confirmed participation, being active in basketball of late.

For the former Tamaraws, Jaworski heads the cast and it is likely that Ramon Fernandez, the first four-time Most Valuable Player winner in the PBA, will also be seeing action in the classic that is one for the books. 

This will mark the first time in so long a time that the Legends’ game will be played and what better teams to slug it out than the two squads which made the PBA what it is now, commanding a following that bordered on the ridiculous. 

Jaworski has what could be labeled as the most memorable career there ever was in the PBA, winning championships both as player and coach with Toyota and later on with Gilbey’s Gin, Anejo Rum and Ginebra San Miguel. 

He commanded the respect and admiration of those who rooted for his teams and elicited fear from the opposition. Jaworski played from the time the league opened in 1975 and has not officially retired as a player since the last time he coached in 1997. 

His long-time backcourt partner, Francis Arnaiz, will reportedly fly in to play in the game. 

A number of players what will see action in this game were included in the list of 25 Greatest Players the league cited in 1999.