Alaska to dominate again

Alaska Aces website



The present Alaska team can be as successful as the legendary Alaska Team of the 90s which won the most Philippine Basketball Association titles at the time and which also grabbed the coveted PBA Grand Slam according to team captain Jeff Cariaso.

The dominant Alaska team during the 90s and the present Alaska squad are very much alike according to Cariaso who believed that Alaska will return to its glory days.

I see many similarities between our present team and the team in the 90s. We both have awesome work ethic. Our desire to win is very high, and we all are good people on and off the court. Dominance in this era, why not? said Cariaso.

Cariaso said a return to the top is inevitable not only because of the hard work of the players and the coaching staff but also because of the direction and support provided by Alaska management which has given the franchise 12 PBA championships.

The Alaska team captain sees the new players playing a key role in the expected Alaska resurgence.

Our rookies Ken (Bono) and JR (Quinahan) are both holding their own at practice. The most important lesson they probably learned is that they both have to be in better shape to be successful in the PBA. But they will learn said Cariaso.

Another player expected to step up is second-year man Aaron Aban named by many to be the heir apparent to Cariaso.

This is the second year of Aban. He is showing good progress in his development. We are all very high on him so I am sure coach will give him an opportunity this year. His talent is unquestionable. The development of the mental part of the game will determine how much time on the floor he gets this year. He works hard and he has a great attitude, said Cariaso.

Aces also need not worry about Mike Cortez who is almost back to being 100 percent fit.

Mike is not practicing yet because he has his own personal rehab to do before he is allowed to practice with the team. But I believe he will be ready for action on PBA opening day on October 14, said Cariaso.

Recalling the championships he won with the Aces, Cariaso said the first one was the most memorable.

Out of the five championships I have won with the Aces, the very first championship is very special to me. That was the third conference of my rookie year. We made the finals in the previous two conferences but lost to Sunkist two times. So to finally win my first-ever championship in the PBA was meaningful, said Cariaso.

The 12 championships won by the Aces is the second most by any franchise in the PBA.