TRIBUTES fittingly poured in after Alaska owner Fred Uytengsu made a stunning announcement last Wednesday that the storied ballclub, owner of 14 titles and a coveted Grand Slam, is leaving the PBA for good after the ongoing Governors’ Cup.

Johnny Abarrientos, one of the best, if not the greatest, players who suited up for the Aces, said he reached his lofty stature in pro league history because Alaska gave him a chance.
“Part of being me as a Johnny Abarrientos, siyempre kalahati noon sa Alaska franchise. I started there. They gave me a chance, they believed in me, they trusted me,” said Abarrientos, who was named league MVP in 1996, the same year the squad bagged a rare triple-crown.
“Very blessed ako na naging part ako ng journey ng what they called as the ‘Team of the 90s,” pero sad lang, great things come to an end na you never expect,” he added.
Legendary former resident Aces import Sean Chambers was crestfallen by the news.

“I haven’t found the right words to express my love and gratitude for Mr. Uytengsu, my teammates, the Alaska family, fans and the entire PBA family. My career/legacy in the Philippines, all the memories with my brothers/teammates and all the wonderful Filipinos that are still a huge part of my life,” Chambers said on his Facebook account.
“These memories will last a lifetime and beyond. My family and I are forever grateful.
Please keep all the Alaska Aces diehard fans in your prayers.”
TNT and Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes was also shocked.
“I’m deeply saddened by the turn of events, but I guess, like I said, I told my players today, that’s life,” Reyes said after the Tropang Giga whipped San Miguel 96-81 last Wednesday night.
“We never really can tell. That’s why we have to treasure it and we have to cherish it, and we have to play like it’s our last game because we never really know.”
The plug was pulled on the league’s second winningest franchise because Alaska’s parent company, Royal FrieslandCampina, which bought a controlling stake from the Uytengsus in 2012, wanted “to implement an organizational transformation that ensures long-term business sustainability.”
Uytengsu said he wants the Aces to go out in a blaze of glory and victory in the season-ending tourney.
“As I told the team today, we still have one more conference to get our 15th ring. I am not throwing in the towel yet,” Uytengsu said in an online press conference. “I don’t know if we will have that many fans watching the finals, but I hope Alaska is there.”
Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala tipped his hat off to Alaska, which he described as “a class organization.”
“Much respect to Alaska. A class organization. The Aces will be a big loss to the PBA,” Eala said on Twitter.