PBA to extend help as legend Nelson Asaytono recovers from heart attack

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will extend some help to retired player Nelson Asaytono, who recently suffered a heart attack.

In a report posted on the league website, the PBA said the 53-year-old Asaytono was confined in the ICU of a hospital in General Trias, Cavite.

The former star and seven-time PBA champion was discharged on Saturday and is now recovering at home.

"Tutulong kami. Pati 'yung mga legends nag-usap na rin sila na tutulong kay Nelson," said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

"Ina-aarange na natin paano maipapa-abot 'yung tulong ng PBA kasi nga naka ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) pa tayo," he added.

Asaytono, who played 17 years in the league, was known as "The Bull" for his strong drives to the basket.

Marcial said he last saw the big man in February 2019 when he watched a game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"Maganda ang katawan niya, mukhang kundisyon nga, e. Ang sabi niya noon magpapalaro siya sa Nueva Vizcaya," the commissioner said.

Asaytono was drafted no. 2 overall by Purefoods in the 1989 draft. He also had stints with Swift and Red Bull. --MGP, GMA News