WHERE does Alaska go from here?
Coach Jeff Cariaso said one company is in serious negotiations for the possible purchase of the franchise while expressing hope the core of the Aces would be bought lock, stock, and barrel.
“I know there are deep talks with a certain company. If it happens, that’s great because the priority is the players. Number one, sila ang priority which is something that I’m happy about,” Cariaso said.
“I want them to have at least an opportunity or a chance to be part of the same team but maybe a different name kung matutuloy iyon,” he added.
The plug was pulled on the league’s second winningest ballclub 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.”
The Aces formally bowed out of the PBA Governors Cup and the pro league for good last Saturday night after losing to the NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinals.
Dennis Anthony Uy’s Converge ICT and Universal Canning Incorpation’s Family’s Brand Sardines are reportedly interested in buying the Alaska franchise.
Cariaso said the Aces still have a lot to show despite the sad end to their PBA stint that saw them win 14 titles, including a rare Triple Crown in 1996.
“And then, bahala na iyong bibili if we are going to be retained, if we are going to be part of that. But the whole pizzazz, I think the future is bright. We just need to sharpen the tools, be better in big games, and sayang what we’ve built already,” Cariaso said.
“Iyong details na kung mare-retain kaming lahat (coaching staff), wala pa doon. I don’t even know. We haven’t discussed it. My focus was really the quarterfinals and staying within the moment. We have to see this week or the next couple of weeks.”
The PBA board has also given the green light for Hong Kong team Bay Area Dragons to join the league’s 47th season as a guest team likely in the Governors’ Cup concurrently with the staging of the 2022 East Asia Super League.
The potential buyer should see the worth of Alaska’s core which is one or two players away from being a title contender, according to Cariaso.
“I hope so. I hope they see the team that we are starting to build. I hope that they see this team is competitive. I think this team just needs a few tweaks here and there. Kulang pa ng isa, dalawang pieces,” he said.
“Our young vets are learning to play more consistently and stepping up in big games katulad nito. I hope so. I hope there is someone who is willing to take a risk with this team.”
