Cariaso stays with Alaska

By Rey Joble
People's Journal
September 18, 2007


Jeff Cariaso, member of the Alaska's grandslam team, might end his playing career as an Ace.

The 6-1, veteran guard signed a two-year extension with Alaska, assuring the Aces of one dependable leader in their quest for a back-to-back title.

This was confirmed by Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo, who told People's Tonight that Cariaso and another injured player Mike Cortez, will play major roles in the Aces' bid for Lucky 13 in their 21st season in the league.

"They're still recuperating from their previous injuries they got in the Fiesta Conference finals, but they're OK now," said Trillo. "They're just resting and they're aching to get back to action this season."

Cariaso hurt his knee that sidelined him for most of the Fiesta Conference finals against the Talk N Text Phone Pals.

Despite his absence, the Aces defeated the Phone Pals for their 12th championship as Willie Miller, Cortez, Reynel Hugnatan, John Ferriols, Sonny Thoss, Dale Singson, Eddie Laure and other holdovers stepped up big in outlasting the Phone Pals.

The Aces also signed up rookie Kenneth Bono to three years, fellow newcomer JR Quiñahan to two years and new recruit Jun-Jun Cabatu to one year.

Despite adding more beef with the acquisition of Bono and Quiñahan, multi-titled coach Tim Cone believes it won't be an easy ride for them this season.

That's because Dale Singson is reportedly not going to return to the Aces.

"It would be tough as teams have improved and that two of our key players are injured," said Cone. "But we will go out there fighting and we've become bigger this season."

"We're excited how well we can be with this big line up."