Matapos ang 35 Years, Aces, nagpaalam na sa PBA

ni Gerard Arce - @Sports | February 17, 2022

Sa loob ng 35 seasons, 14 na kampeonato ang ibinulsa ng Alaska Aces franchise, kabilang na ang makasaysayang 1996 Grand Slam title, kaya’t hindi maitatangging wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska pagdating sa Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) noong dekada 90.

Subalit, lahat ng ito’y pawang mga alaala na lang at maaaring hindi na masundan matapos ianunsyo ang pamamaalam ng koponan sa pagtatapos ng 2021 PBA Governor’s Cup. “After more than three decades of basketball, 14 titles, and a grand slam, it is with a heavy heart that Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announces the retirement of its Alaska Aces team from the PBA,” ayon sa inilabas na press statement ng koponan kahapon ng umaga.

Nagpahayag si Alaska chairman Wilfred Uytengsu Jr na hindi naging madali ang pinagdaanang desisyon sa pag-alis sa liga, na nakahanay rin sa kanilang parent company na FireslandCampina na nagpapatupad ng pagbabagong pang-organisasyon. “We thought long and hard before making this final decision.

However, we believe that this will allow us to focus our resources on providing affordable nutrition for Filipino families. The Aces franchise will always be very special to me. I had the good fortune of starting this franchise at the age of 24 and learned so much about team dynamics and building championship teams from the players and coaching staff.”

Matatandaang ang grupo nina Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, coach Jeff Cariaso, Poch Juinio at second recipient ng Mr. 100% award na si Sean Chambers ang sumungkit ng 1996 Grand slam na nagwagi ng tatlong sunod na kampeonato sa All-Filipino, Commissioner’s Cup at Governor’s Cup. Nagwagi ng MVP si Abarrientos, Mythical five sina Lastimosa at Hawkins, Most Improved player si Juinio at best import si Chambers. Nagpatuloy ang kanilang paghahari noong 97-98 season sa pagdating ni Kenneth Duremdes, kung saan naging parte pa ng 1998 PBA Centennial team sina Abarrientos, Lastimosa at Duremdes para sa Bangkok Asian Games.“As we bid farewell to our beloved Alaska Aces team, we thank all of you, loyal fans and supporters, for showing your love and support through all these years. May the memory of Alaska Aces live on forever. Wala pa rin tatalo sa Alaska!”