Harvey Carey fought back tears as he addressed the crowd gathered at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig to witness his jersey retirement in person.
Wearing a crisp white barong, the Fil-Am bruiser remained composed during his acceptance speech but was almost overwhelmed by emotions later on.
“Today is proof that dreams come true,” he said, pausing briefly before continuing, “and don’t ever let anybody tell you that you’re different.
“Always believe in yourself, always strive for high integrity because having character will take you a long way.”
Carey had indeed come a long way since being that “unknown kid” selected fourth overall by the MVP-owned franchise in the 2003 PBA Draft.
Reflecting on the past, the Sonoma State product was chosen ahead of more celebrated talents such as Brandon Cablay, Billy Mamaril, Enrico Villanueva, Marlon Legaspi, the recently-retired Reynel Hugnatan, and Jimmy Alapag.
“Naalala ko ‘yung draft na ‘yun, he played so well that the other guys dropped,” said current Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, who was part of the Alaska staff back then and selected Mike Cortez at number one and Cablay at fifth.
From that night onward, Carey spent the rest of his career with TNT until retiring in 2021. He ended his career with seven championships, an All-Star citation, an All-Defensive Team award, and a Mythical Second Team nod.
“Thank you, Boss MVP [team owner Manny V. Pangilinan], for taking a chance on an unknown kid back in 2003 and allowing me the privilege of spending my entire career with a classy franchise,” he expressed.
“That risk you took on me changed the trajectory of my life, and I am forever grateful,” added Carey, who established himself as a 6-foot-3 workhorse.
Carey also took the opportunity to thank some of his senior teammates who guided him and Alapag when they arrived as wide-eyed youngsters.
“I was fortunate enough to be drafted to a team that had strong veteran leadership. Guys like Asi [Taulava], Vic Pablo, Donbel Belano, Bong Ravena, Kuya Patrick Fran, Mark Telan,” he said.
“They took two rookies, Jimmy Alapag and myself, under their wing and taught us how to be professionals. I wouldn’t be standing here tonight without the foundation you guys laid down for me back then,” he added.
(C) PBA Images
Taulava, Belano, and Ravena were present during the halftime ceremony of the Tropang Giga’s PBA On Tour game against Meralco, turning it into a reunion as other significant figures in his career were also in attendance.
Jayson Castro, Jay Washington, current Bolts assistant Patrick Fran, Jared Dillinger, and Troy Rosario were also present.
“I’ve had so many amazing teammates over the years, and seeing some of you guys here tonight brings back a lot of great memories,” Carey said.
Ultimately, Carey expressed his appreciation to the fans for making his PBA career even more memorable.
“You guys are truly the best fans in the world,” he said.
“I was never on the national team. I was never the best player on my team. I was never a multi-year All-Star. But from my first PBA game to my last, and the overwhelming love I’ve received since I returned, you guys have always treated me and made me feel like an MVP.”
