Wilfred Uytengsu making a speech during the PSA Awards Night. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Team owner Fred Uytengsu believes his Alaska Aces will redeem themselves from their heartbreaking loss in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
The Aces became the first team in league history to lose a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series when they yielded the championship to the San Miguel Beermen in a Game 7 just a couple of weeks ago.
Uytengsu admitted coming so close to a title and seeing it slip away was a “bitter pill to swallow.”
FULL TEXT: Fred Uytengsu’s Executive of the Year speech at PSA Awards
“Over the last couple of weeks, a lot of people have wondered and a few have dared to ask me what happened. Believe me, it’s been a bitter pill to swallow, and it’s not just for me but for our entire franchise,” said Uytengsu as he accepted the Executive of the Year award on Saturday night during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards at One Esplanade.
Uytengsu also offered high praise for the Beermen and what they accomplished.
“Coach Compton has offered his anecdotes and from my perspective, I don’t think anyone expected us to be in this last Finals, much less be up 3-0 against the powerhouse San Miguel franchise, with or without June Mar Fajardo. He is a great player. The truth is that San Miguel team is extremely talented and is 10-deep.”
Uytengsu rued Alaska’s chances to wrap up the series. The Aces had three chances to win their first All-Filipino crown in 15 years.
“We had our chances in Game 4 and in Game 5. In Game 6, I didn’t think we gave ourselves the best shot, and in Game 7, I think we simply felt overwhelmed. I said at the press conference before the Finals started that to be the best, you have to beat the best. We were not the best in that Finals, San Miguel was, and they deserved the congratulations.”
Nonetheless, Uytengsu’s faith in his team remains and he believes that the Aces will stand back up from adversity.
“Am I disappointed? Of course, I am, but I’m not deterred. I still believe our franchise is very capable due to our work ethic and our desire. They say you are measured by what you accomplished, but you are defined with by what you attempt. I am proud of the Alaska Aces and how they are defined, and we will be back.”