One can only imagine how difficult it was for Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso to keep his team collected in the wake of the ball club’s announcement that it will be leaving the PBA after the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
The long-time Milkman admitted that he had already known of the organization’s decision days before it was made public, so he took the time to muster up the courage and prepare his talk for his wards to stay composed.
“I honestly did know a couple of days before that, and I was the only one on our team who knew. That allowed me to help prepare what I wanted to talk to the team about to stay motivated,” said Cariaso.
Still, there was no containing whatsoever the overwhelming emotions each and everyone from the Aces felt, as they all watched and listened to team owner Wilfred S. Uytengsu during a virtual press conference Wednesday.
“The energy was different yesterday,” said Cariaso. “We’re in our lounge where we watch videos where we prepare and scout. We were all there listening to boss Fred on our big screen when the announcement came out.
“Everyone from the ball boys, up to the coaches, to the medical staff, was just quiet and silent. At that point, it’s fair that they reacted that way because all of a sudden there’s a million thoughts running through your mind.”
But the seasoned mentor knew that he had to be Alaska’s rock. He knew it was on him to keep them focused, for there’s still a conference to play.
“It’s a little bit more difficult to keep them together mentally. And I say that because it’s not easy. I have never been in this situation where I know that it’s the last conference of your team,” said Cariaso.
“So, there’s a lot of anxiety, there’s a lot of uncertainty,” he furthered.
“So, right now, what I’m telling the guys is to kinda just remain in the moment. So where are we now? We are in a conference.”
Fortunately for Cariaso, his charges responded in the most ideal of ways. Despite all that’s been happening, Alaska took down Rain or Shine, 80-74, on Thursday night’s to start its farewell tour on a triumphant note.
“I think the guys handled it like champs, they handled it professionally,” said Cariaso moments after the match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The former cager turned mentor was glad to have seen his players ace their first test, and he hopes to see them do so as the conference goes along.
“I think for tonight, guys passed the test, we have to continue passing the test as we move forward,” said Cariaso, whose team collected its second win in a row and is presently third in the standings with a 4-2 record.
Alaska’s situation has indeed cast gloom not just for Philippine basketball but for local sports in general since it is bidding adieu to one of the most storied franchises ever. But Cariaso is choosing to look at it in a different way.
“I hate talking about myself, but what I thought about the last couple of days was just this awesome opportunity to coach the team that drafted me. Altogether, this is my fifteenth year with Alaska — as a player and as a coach,” he said.
“So, how special is it that I have this chance and opportunity to coach the team that drafted me, that I played for, that I put my heart and soul into as a player? So I’m trying to do the same now as a coach.”
And part of that optimism is looking at their last dance in the league as an opportunity to go out in style, which is by winning their 15th title.
“Part of my talk yesterday was just really talking to them about us staying in the moment and us still having this opportunity to win our fifteenth championship,” said Cariaso. “Why can’t we go out with a bang?
“Why can’t we go out and just try to strive for this last one before we go? Why not? Of course, it’s not gonna be easy, there are 11 other teams striving for that same goal. We understand that, we understand the hard work ahead of us,” he added.
“But again, it’s our last chance together, why not go out and do it? And if anything, it will make everyone look good.”
—
All PBA games stream live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.
The second game of each playdate is also livestreamed on SMART Sports.
