JVee Casio was stunned upon learning that Alaska will be retiring from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after the current season.
The veteran playmaker said that it was during Blackwater’s team practice when he heard about the news, and like many others, was left in disbelief until one of the Bossing coaches showed him the Aces’ official statement.
“I was very surprised,” he told The Game. “I was in the middle of practice, One of the coaches told me about it and I immediately said, ‘Talaga? Totoo ba ito?’
“Then he showed the parang message, that’s where I saw that it’s true.”
One can’t put Casio at fault for reacting in such a manner. After all, Alaska wasn’t just his former team. It was, as cliche as it may sound, his family for so many years, one that he shared tremendous success with.
The La Salle great won his lone PBA championship with the Uytengsu-owned franchise when they ruled the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup after sweeping Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the best-of-five series.
He got a title just in his second conference with the ball club after arriving there by way of a complicated multi-team deal prior to the season.
Casio couldn’t help but feel sentimental about that championship triumph, which was Alaska’s first in the post-Tim Cone era.
“When I entered the team, it was pretty much complete na — you know, veterans and upcoming rookies din. I mean, Calvin Abueva was on that team also. So it was pretty much a mix of veterans and young guys,” recalled the 2011 top overall pick of Powerade.
“And it complemented eh. And we got out import Robert Dozier din. It fills the void of what we were lacking a little bit then, but pretty much the locals were all there.
“It’s really complete,” he furthered. “It’s easy to get along. The system was there. And when we got that win, it was a very happy experience for me.”
That championship is definitely the most memorable for Casio. But there’s also one thing that he will forever cherish with the Aces: its loyal fan base.
“Especially the fans, the die-hard fans who have been there for so long, cheering. And you get to know them,” said the two-time Sportsmanship Award winner, who spent nine years of his career with Alaska.
“Ang daming memories, especially with the fans. And that’s what, I think, makes Alaska special, ‘yung fan base is very loyal,” he added.
Although he’s deeply saddened to see the franchise go, Casio is immensely thankful and honored to have become a Milkman.
“I’ve been blessed to be part of it,” said the 35-year-old.
“I’m still grateful that I’ve been there, and being part of it is really a big honor for me.”
