MANILA – The Alaska Aces will remain in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) amid reports claiming it will bid farewell after the end of the stalled 2020 Philippine Cup.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that he was able to have a conversation with Aces team governor Dickie Bachmann.
“Kausap ko si Gov. Bachmann. Tinawanan lang ako. Sa pagkakaalam ko, wala,” Marcial said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association virtual press conference on Tuesday.
Reports about the Aces leaving PBA is nothing new. Recently, rumors tagged Chooks-To-Go, which sponsors 3×3 basketball tournaments, interested in buying the franchise.
“Pitong taon ko nang naririnig na aalis ang Alaska sa PBA. Hindi nangyayari,” Marcial said. “Sinasabi ko na as of now, sa pagkakaalam ko ay wala. Hindi aalis ang Alaska sa PBA.”
Bachmann, in a separate statement, also quashed the rumors. He said Alaska is very much excited for the resumption of the Philippine Cup as the team has a retooled lineup and new head coach in Jeffrey Cariaso.
“Alaska is a proud organization that is pillared by hard work, integrity, professionalism, and community service,” said Bachmann. “Alaska is eager for the season to resume and will be ready for battle.”
“More importantly, Alaska is staying on the course to show that our team will always contribute to the welfare of the league and be part of the good to make a better world through our passion for basketball,” he added.
Alaska, now on its 35th year, is one of the pro league’s oldest franchises. The team has won a total of 14 PBA championships, including a grand slam in 1996 under then head coach Tim Cone./PN
