FILE– The 2013 Commissioner’s Cup champion Alaska Aces savor their victory with team owner Wilfred Uytengsu (holding trophy). AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines— There was heavy nostalgia when Alaska Milk Corporation made its shocking announcement on Wednesday to leave the PBA after over three decades in the league.
The end of an era. After all, Alaska was the team of the 90s—an era it dominated by winning nine championships including a rare Grand Slam in 1996.
Fans of the popular franchise couldn’t help but look back on the team’s glory days when legends Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins and Jeffrey Cariaso ran the show under Tim Cone’s watch.
“I can remember the whole family is for SMB while I’m the only one for Alaska. First fave team bec of Johnny A and Tim Cone. This is sad,” said user @heysvend on Twitter.
And who could forget Alaska’s resident reinforcement Sean Chambers, who won six titles with the team.
“I grew up rooting for Alaska Aces. Abbarientos, Lastimosa, Cariaso, Hawkins, Bulado, Chambers, Tim Cone, etc. Those were the days.. Will remain in my memory forever,” said @EmilCSuarez in a tweet.
FILE–Old Alaska Aces team with former head coach Tim Cone.
A franchise known for its class and winning tradition, Alaska’s absence will leave a gaping hole in the PBA, which has been criticized for its uneven level of competition the past several years.
“Alaska was the only team i rooted for in the PBA and i’ll forever cherish my PBA moments w/ Papa (San Miguel fan) & Kuya (Purefoods fan). I’ll always remember them winning Grand Slam in 1996 (muntik na kami mag sapakan ng kuya ko 🤣 [I almost got into a fistfight with my brother]),” shared @happinessie.
The Aces, who will officially exit the PBA after the ongoing Governors’ Cup, won three more titles in the 2000s then celebrated a couple more in 2010 and 2013. They are looking to sell their franchise, according to team owner Fred Uytengsu.
Among the other notable players who suited up for Alaska throughout the years were Kenneth Duremdes, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio, JVee Casio, Calvin Abueva, Ali Peek, Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Dondon Hontiveros among others.
“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 of these years. May the memory of Alaska Aces, live on forever. Wala pa rin tatalo sa Alaska!” the team said in a statement.
The Aces are currently sixth in the Governors’ Cup standings with a 3-2 record. They play Rain or Shine on Thursday.