By Waylon Galvez
If and when the PBA Philippine Cup resumes, the Alaska Aces will be missing their veteran center Sonny Thoss.
A team source disclosed that the 6-foot-7 Thoss would not be joining the team because of “family reason.”
Alaska resumed its practice session on small groups last Tuesday, and Thoss has informed management and coaching staff of his plans regarding the resumption of training at the Gatorade Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong City.
“If there is still COVID-19, Sonny will not play. His concern is his family and management (of Alaska) understands that. But if, let’s say there is a vaccine by next month… we’ll see,” said the source.
However, the same source said that the 38-year-old player isn’t closing the possibility of playing his final conference with the team that selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 PBA Rookie Draft.
Thoss, the source said, would skip playing this season but is open to coming back next season for one last conference if the health situation improves.
“He wants to play but under normal circumstances. Not the kind of he’ll go out, then return home – there’s the risk of bringing home the virus to his family, which is what he’s trying to avoid,” said the source.
Prior to this season, Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso said Thoss agreed to play for one conference for his “farewell tournament” but PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial suspended the games in mid-March because of the pandemic.
Alaska governor Richard Bachmann said they continue to talk to Thoss.
“Sonny will not be joining the Aces on court practices for now,” said Bachmann, also the Aces team manager, in a message last Wednesday. “He is expiring end of August and is planning to retire.”
