COMPTON OUT, CARIASO IN!

TINAPOS na ni Alex Compton ang kanyang responsibilidad bilang head coach ng Alaska Aces nang pormal itong magbitiw sa kanyang posisyon matapos ang limang taong serbisyo sa loob ng 15 komperensiya at limang finals appearances.

“We are very sorry to see Alex leave the team. He had a tremendous impact on the team and was very concerned with the players’ well-being on and off the court,” wika ni Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uy­tengsu sa inilabas na state­ment ng Aces management kahapon. “We also share that winning (with integrity) is an important aspect of our team and are grateful that Alex stepped aside to pave the way for someone else to lead the Aces to our next championship,” dagdag ni Uytengsu.

Papalitan si Compton ni Jeffrey Cariaso, na kasama sa mga gumuhit ng kasay­sayan nang manalo kasama sina Jojo Lastimosa, Johnny Abarrientos at Bong Haw­kins ng Grand Slam title noong 1996 sa ilalim ni dating coach Tim Cone.

Inamin ni Compton na hiniling sa kanya ni Alaska team owner Wilfred Uyteng­su na siya ay bumaba na bilang head coach. “Yesterday at his house, a man I deeply respect, Fred Uytengsu, sat down with me, looked me in the eyes and asked me to step down. I accepted his direction and have agreed to resign as head coach of the Alaska Aces,” wika ni Compton sa statement na lumabas. “Truly a blessing to elevate at this level of leadership. I am honored for the oppor­tunity and genuinely humbled as I face the challenge. Thank you, sir Fred and the manage­ment for the trust, I will give my best, nothing less,” dagdag ng Filipino-born American na si Comp­ton.

Unang nakilala si Comp­ton nang maglaro ito sa Manila Metrostars sa nabu­wag na Metropolitan Bas­ketball Association (MBA) na itinanghal bilang Most Valuable Player (MVP). “It has been an honor to coach such a sto­ried franchise. I have made great relation­ships and have a lot of love for people in the organiza­tion. Being part of the Alaska family has meant a lot to me and my family, and we will always treasure our time with the Aces,” wika ng 45-anyos na si Compton.