By JONAS TERRADO
The Alaska Aces, one of the most successful franchises in the colorful history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), are bidding goodbye after 35 seasons and bulk of memories that their loyal followers will remember for a lifetime.
A press release handed out to media outlets Wednesday morning said Alaska will only complete its campaign in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup before ending a run saw the franchise win most of its 14 championships during the 90s.
“We thought long and hard before making this final decision,” team owner Fred Uytengsu said as part of the statement.
Uytengsu later tried to battle back tears during a hastily-called press conference, saying the decision to end its PBA participation was inevitable after his family sold majority control of the company in 2012 to Royal Friesland Campina, a Dutch-based firm.
“Once we sold the company, I knew at some point this would be an eventuality. And it’s just come to a situation where the company wants to refocus their efforts,” he said.
Aces ownership and management had already informed league officials led by Commissioner Willie Marcial and chairman Ricky Vargas of its decision earlier in the day.
Yet to be determined is the future of the franchise and its players, since Uytengsu said that they have yet to find prospective buyers. Another option is for Alaska to put players under contract in a dispersal draft which would take place before next season.
“There are no immediate buyers at this point in time but it remains a possibility that we can sell our team, our franchise to another company if they want to come in at the end of the season,” Uytengsu said. “If there is not a buyer at that time, the franchise will revert to the PBA and pursuant to the by-laws of the PBA, then the players will go into a dispersal draft.”
Marcial, who had been through different capacities during Alaska’s tenure, said an emergency board meeting will be held to discuss the Aces situation.
“It’s a sad news for Philippine basketball, especially the PBA, and we thank (Alaska) for everything. It’s really sad,” Marcial said, quoting what he told Uytengsu during the meeting.
News of Alaska’s departure was met with sadness, especially those who felt nostalgic about its glory days when the team lived up to the company’s “Wala pa rin tatalo sa Alaska” slogan.
NOTHING BUT RESPECT
Raymund Yu, who co-owns Rain or Shine with Terry Que, said: “I feel a genuine sadness with the departure of Alaska. Nothing but respect for a classy organization. Indeed, they (Aces) won with integrity.
But success didn’t come easily after Alaska entered the league in 1986, having to deal with birth pains and heartbreak defeats even after Tim Cone was hired to call the shots.
Under Cone, the Milkmen became the “Team of the 90s” by winning nine championships during that decade, including the historic Grand Slam in 1996 with Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso, Poch Juinio and import Sean Chambers.
Cariaso left the team the following year, but later in the 1997 campaign got Kenneth Duremdes, who took part in the latter part of Alaska’s success in that decade.
Championships became scarce after the 90s dynasty, winning four titles until Cone’s left to join the San Miguel Corporation group in 2011. Alaska hasn’t captured a title since the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup under coach Luigi Trillo and led by a dynamic rookie in Calvin Abueva.
A 15th title eluded Alaska in recent years, including a string of finals defeats between 2015 to 2016, including the 3-0 meltdown against San Miguel Beer in the 2016 Philippine Cup.
“It’s been an amazing journey, really, when you look at it,” Uytengsu said. “Thirty five years, 31 finals appearances, 14 championships, a Grand Slam. And those are nice things to have.
“But I think what we treasure the most really are the relationships I built over the years, with our coaches and players. I’ve appreciated my partnership with the PBA and having served the PBA to help make it a better organization.
“As I say all good things come to an end, and at the end of this season, it will be our 35th and final season in the PBA. Really tough,” added Uytengsu. “I wanna thank everyone for the ride. It’s been fantastic.”
