One of the PBA’s most storied ball clubs is bidding adieu.
In a shocking announcement Wednesday, Alaska Milk Corporation said that it will be leaving Asia’s pioneering pro league for good after 36 years.
The 2022 Governors’ Cup will be the Aces’ last ride.
Such a decision is also aligned with the global directive of FrieslandCampina to implement an organizational transformation that ensures long-term stability.
The Netherlands-based dairy firm is AMC’s parent company.
“We thought long and hard before making this final decision,” said Alaska Chairman Wilfred S. Uytengsu in a statement.
“However, we believe that this will allow us to focus our resources on providing affordable nutrition for Filipino families.”
The club joined the PBA in 1986 and from there, rose as one of the league’s most revered teams especially with its dominance in the 1990s.
That decade saw them win nine championships, including of course the historic Grand Slam in 1996 behind the magic of Coach Tim Cone.
Fourteen titles have been won by the franchise in 31 Finals trips, the last of which was in 2013 with a team powered by a young Calvin Abueva.
“The Aces franchise will always be very special to me,” said Uytengsu.
“I had the good fortune of starting this franchise at the age of 24 and learning so much about team dynamics and building championships from the players and coaching staff.”
With their days numbered, Uytengsu expressed that the team has taken great pride in their participation in the PBA.
“We take great pride in our participation and success all these years and know we won with integrity. I also want to thank the PBA for our many years of partnerships and wish the league continued success in the years to come.”
Besides Abueva, Alaska has helped groom the likes of Johnny Abarrientos, Bogs Adornado, Kenneth Duremdes, Abet Guidaben, Jojo Lastimosa, Jeffrey Cariaso, Sean Chambers, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio, Tony Dela Cruz, Poch Juinio, JV Casio, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, Cyrus Baguio, Mike Cortez, and Ali Peek.
All in all, the franchise had 10 coaches, starting with Tony Vasquez in 1986. Following him were Cesar Jota (1986), Nat Canson (1987), Turo Valenzona (1987–1988), Bogs Adornado (1988–1989), Cone (1989–2011), Joel Banal (2011–2012), Luigi Trillo (2012–2014), and Alex Compton (2014–2019).
Cariaso will be the final head coach of the Aces.
Titles won by the team are the 1991 Third Conference, 1994 Governors’, 1995 Governors’, 1996 All-Filipino, 1996 Commissioner’s, 1996 Governors’, 1997 Governors’, 1998 All-Filipino, 1998 Commissioner’s, 2000 All-Filipino, 2003 Invitational, 2007 Fiesta, 2010 Fiesta, and 2013 Commissioner’s Cups.
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