Alaska Aces with muse Ciarra Bachmann during the 2017 PBA Season opening ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—With Alaska Milk Corporation set to leave the PBA after the Governors’ Cup, former and current players as well as coaches paid tribute to one of the most celebrated franchises in the league.
Alaska announced on Wednesday that is retiring from the PBA after 35 seasons in a shocking development.
“Professionalism. Integrity. Discipline. These values are sacred when you play for @wsuytengsu and the @alaska_aces. I’m sad to see this proud franchise bid farewell to the PBA but as the old saying goes, the memories will stay forever,” Barangay Ginebra deputy Richard del Rosario wrote on Twitter Wednesday.
Professionalism. Integrity. Discipline. These values are sacred when you play for @wsuytengsu and the @alaska_aces. I’m sad to see this proud franchise bid farewell to the PBA but as the old saying goes, the memories will stay forever.
🏀❤️🥛 pic.twitter.com/uURMnXB7zi— Richard del Rosario (@charddelrosario) February 16, 2022
“I was saddened this morning to hear the news of Alaska pulling out of the PBA. I’ve been reflecting all day on the 5 years I spent with Alaska, full of great memories and 2 championship rings. Boss Fred set the bar high for running a classy franchise. It’s the end of an era!” tweeted former Alaska big man Nic Belasco.
Alaska joined the PBA in 1986 and it didn’t take long for the franchise to establish a reputable organization and create a winning culture.
The Aces were the team of the 90s—an era they dominated with nine championships including a Grand Slam in 1996. They won five more from 2000 to 2013.
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who was the architect for the Aces’ rare sweep, said he was grateful to have been part of the illustrious franchise.
“I’m saddened by the news of Alaska’s exit from the PBA, but looking back, I’m extremely proud of my time (23 years) with Alaska where I made many life-time friends amongst the players and staff. My coaching career grew up under the stewardship and friendship of Mr. Uytengsu, and I’m grateful for his mentoring. I am who I am as a coach and as a person because of that,” Cone said in a statement.
“The ALASKA CULTURE will forever be a model for every professional franchise. It’s sad that they are leaving the PBA,” said Blackwater interim head coach Ariel Vanguardia in a tweet.
“I began my PBA journey with the Alaska franchise. Proud to have been part of a great basketball institution. Thank you, Alaska Aces!” Ken Bono, who was drafted sixth overall by the Aces in 2007, posted.
Alaska may be on its way out but its job in the Governors’ Cup is far from done.
Grateful to Alaska for giving me a home for the last 4 years. It’s been an honor to play for the franchise. This will be our last conference as Alaska Aces, will definitely make it count! #TheLastAce #TheLastDance #WeNotMe @alaska_aces #2017PBAdraft pic.twitter.com/CVi186NZvc
— Jeron Teng (@jeronteng) February 16, 2022
Aces swingman Jeron Teng vowed to make the team’s last hurrah in the PBA a memorable one with still a championship to chase.
“Grateful to Alaska for giving me a home for the last 4 years. It’s been an honor to play for the franchise. This will be our last conference as Alaska Aces, will definitely make it count!” Teng, who was selected fifth overall by Alaska in the 2017 draft, wrote on social media.
“The Last Dance,” tweeted Alaska import Olu Ashaolu, who has led the Aces to a 3-2 start in the conference.