They can no longer play 40 straight minutes of basketball but the legendary hardcourt heroes of the old Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) managed to live up to their nicknames.

From the PBA Legands Games in Union City to Carson and San Diego, fans cheered for Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, Philip “Tapal King” Cezar, Atoy “The Fortune Cookie” Co, Bogs “Mr. Nice Guy” Adornado, and Francis “Mr. Clutch” Arnaiz.

"After being away so long, as you play more, you get a little more acclimatized… But I guess it's also the energy of the people that warms your heart," said Arnaiz.

"Enjoy na enjoy sila sa slow-mo game namin," joked Adornado.

There were moments when age showed as the legends wore down through the rough and tumbles of the game.

Manny Paner, the former “Ironman” admitted he is a bit rusty now. "Medyo mabagal na kami eh, hahaha."

Abe King, also known as “The Chairman of the Boards” could not help but feel a bit nervous. "Para rin ako rookie, you know,” he said, “[kasi] haharap ka uli sa tao.”

Some players did their best to prepare. "I'm taking care of myself, so medyo kondisyon,” said Abet Guidaben.

The crowd favorite though was Sonny Cabatu.

"Hindi lang naman yung magaling maglaro ang nagugustuhan ng tao… [it’s] the way you play the game," said Cabatu. 

They played and relied on the younger PBA heroes led by Olsen Racela, Allan Caidic, Jerry Codinera, Bong Alvarez and Ronnie Magsanoc, who was voted tour Most Valuable Player.

"To be able to play with the pioneers is really a big deal for us, kasi talagang sila ang nagbigay ng daan para sa amin," said Magsanoc.

"’Pag nakita namin na medyo kinakapos na, that's the time na sumusuporta kami, kasi para sa kin, it's their show," said Codinera.

On the side, Fernandez and Arnaiz won their one-one-one match-ups with former archrivals, Cezar and Bernie Fabiosa. But the old animosity has been replaced by a rare display of camaraderie.

One thing that remained the same: the hordes of adoring fans.

In all four games in California, Filipino fans rallied behind their basketball idols.

This kind of devotion, organizers said, is enough for them to plan another trip down memory lane. Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN North America Bureau Chief