Alaska Aces (PBA): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Philippine professional basketball team}} |
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{{for|the ice hockey team|Alaska Aces (ECHL)}} |
{{for|the ice hockey team|Alaska Aces (ECHL)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} |
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{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}} |
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{{Infobox PBA team |
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{{multiple issues| |
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| current=2012–13 Alaska Aces season |
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{{cleanup press release|1=article|date=June 2017}} |
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| color1=#e80006 |
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{{more citations needed|date=June 2017}} |
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| color2=black |
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}} |
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{{Infobox basketball club |
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| current= |
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| name=Alaska Aces |
| name=Alaska Aces |
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| logo=Alaska Aces logo.svg |
| logo=Alaska Aces logo.svg |
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| founded=1986 |
| founded=1986 |
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| folded=Sold in 2022 |
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| history='''Alaska Milk Kings'''<BR>1986-1987<BR>'''Hills Bros. Coffee Kings'''<BR>1987-1988<BR>'''Alaska Air Force'''<BR>1988–1991<BR>'''Alaska Milkmen'''<BR>1991–2000<BR>'''Alaska Aces'''<BR>2000–Present| |
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| history='''Alaska Milkmen''' (1986, 1988–1989, 1991–2000)<br>'''Hills Bros. Coffee Kings''' (1987)<br>'''Alaska Air Force''' (1990)<br>'''Alaska Aces''' (2001–2022) |
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colors=Red, Black, and White <br /> {{color box|#e80006}} {{color box|black}} {{color box|white}} |
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| colors=Red, Black, White <br /> {{color box|#{{PBA color|Alaska Aces|1}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Alaska Aces|3}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Alaska Aces|2}}}} |
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| owner= Wilfred Steven Uytengsu |
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| owner= [[Wilfred Uytengsu|Wilfred Uytengsu Jr.]] |
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| board_governor=[[Joaqui Trillo]] |
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| company=Alaska Milk Corporation |
| company = [[Alaska Milk Corporation]] |
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| manager = [[Dickie Bachmann|Richard Bachman]] |
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| coach= {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Luigi Trillo]] |
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| coach= [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] |
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| titles=13 championships<br /> |
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| championships='''14 championships''' |
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[[1991 PBA season|1991]] Third Conference<br /> |
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[[1994 PBA season|1994]] Governors<br /> |
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[[1991 PBA season|1991]] [[1991 PBA Third Conference|Third Conference]]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1994 PBA season|1994]] [[1994 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors']]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1995 PBA season|1995]] [[1995 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors']]<br /> |
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[[1996 PBA season|1996]] |
[[1996 PBA season|1996]] [[1996 PBA All-Filipino Cup|All-Filipino]]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1996 PBA season|1996]] [[1996 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's]]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1996 PBA season|1996]] [[1996 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors']]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1997 PBA season|1997]] [[1997 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors']]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1998 PBA season|1998]] [[1998 PBA All-Filipino Cup|All-Filipino]]<br /> |
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[[ |
[[1998 PBA season|1998]] [[1998 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's]]<br /> |
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[[2000 PBA season|2000]] [[2000 PBA All-Filipino Cup|All-Filipino]]<br /> |
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[[2003 PBA season|2003]] [[2003 PBA Invitational Cup|Invitational]]<br /> |
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[[2006–07 PBA season|2007]] [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|Fiesta]]<br /> |
[[2006–07 PBA season|2007]] [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|Fiesta]]<br /> |
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[[2009–10 PBA season|2010]] [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|Fiesta]] |
[[2009–10 PBA season|2010]] [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|Fiesta]]<br /> |
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[[2012–13 PBA season|2013]] [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's]]<br /> |
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|ret_nums = '''6''' ([[Jojo Lastimosa|6]], [[Johnny Abarrientos|14]], [[Bong Hawkins|16]], [[Sean Chambers|20]], [[Jeffrey Cariaso|22]], [[Bogs Adornado|33]]) |
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31 Finals appearances |
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| pattern l=_alaska-2012_l |body l= |patterns l=_alaska-2012_l |shorts l= |title l=Light uniform |
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| pattern d=_alaska-2012_d |body d= |patterns d=_alaska-2012_d |shorts d= |title d=Dark uniform |
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<!--|pattern a=_leftredsiderightblackside|body a=000000|shorts a=000000|title a=Alternate uniform--> |
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|}} |
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The '''Alaska Aces''' is a professional basketball team in the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] since [[1986 PBA season|1986]] under the ownership of the [[Alaska Milk Corporation]] and the owner of 13 PBA championships with the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference]] as their latest. They are one of the most popular teams in the league and the Philippines. |
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|ret_nums = '''7''' ([[Jojo Lastimosa|6]], [[Sonny Thoss|7]], [[Johnny Abarrientos|14]], [[Bong Hawkins|16]], [[Sean Chambers|20]], [[Jeffrey Cariaso|22]], [[Bogs Adornado|33]]) |
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They are known for winning nine PBA championships in the 1990s, including a rare [[Grand Slam (PBA)|grand slam]] (winning three championships in one season) during the [[1996 PBA season|1996]] season, joining the [[Crispa Redmanizers]] ([[1976 PBA season|1976]], [[1983 PBA season|1983]]) and the [[San Miguel Beermen]] ([[1989 PBA season|1989]]) as one of only three franchises to achieve the feat. |
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| website = {{URL|https://www.alaskaaces.com.ph}} |
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| 1_title = Light jersey |
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==History== |
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| 1_pattern_b =_2020_ALA_light |
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| 1_pattern_s =_2020_ALA_light |
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| 2_title = Dark jersey |
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| 2_pattern_b =_2020_ALA_dark |
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| 2_pattern_s =_2020_ALA_dark |
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| 3_title = Retro jersey |
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| 3_pattern_b =_1996_ALA_light |
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| 3_pattern_s =_1996_ALA_light |
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}} |
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The '''Alaska Aces''' were a professional basketball team in the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] since [[1986 PBA season|1986]] under the ownership of [[Alaska Milk Corporation]] (AMC) and the owner of 14 PBA championships, tied with the [[Magnolia Hotshots]] for the third-most titles overall. They were one of the most popular teams in the league and the [[Philippines]]. |
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===1986: First season=== |
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After the temporary departure of the [[San Miguel Beermen|Magnolia]] team prior to the start of the [[1986 PBA season|1986]] season, the league reduced to only five teams. Alaska Milk Corporation of American owner Wilfred Uytengsu was accepted as the league's sixth team before the start of the 1986 season in April. Alaska acquired several holdovers from the old Magnolia team (Marte Saldana, Rudy Distrito and Biboy Ravanes among others) for their inaugural campaign. |
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The Aces won nine PBA championships in the 1990s, including a rare [[Grand Slam (PBA)|grand slam]] (winning three championships in one season) during the [[1996 PBA season|1996 season]], joining the [[Crispa Redmanizers]] ([[1976 PBA season|1976]], [[1983 PBA season|1983]]), [[San Miguel Beermen]] ([[1989 PBA season|1989]]), and the [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] ([[2013–14 PBA season|2013–14]]) as one of only four franchises to achieve the feat. |
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Alaska's imports for the 1986 Reinforced Conference were former [[Utah Jazz]] Jerry Lee Eaves and former [[Toyota Super Corollas|Toyota]] import Donnie Ray Koonce. |
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The Aces last tournament was the [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup]] where they were eliminated by the [[NLEX Road Warriors]] in the quarterfinal round in March 2022. The franchise was bought by [[Converge ICT]] on March 23, 2022, to become the [[Converge FiberXers]].<ref name="converge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/converge-newest-pba-member-after-alaska-sale-approval-a793-20220323|title=Converge is newest PBA member after 11-0 board approval of Alaska sale|website=Spin.ph}}</ref> |
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In its very first conference, Alaska would place fourth behind [[Tanduay Rhum Masters|Tanduay]], Great Taste, and [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Ginebra]]. |
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==History== |
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Norman Black stayed with Alaska as its import for the Open Conference teaming up with an import by the name of Mike Morrison. [http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86] |
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===1986: First season=== |
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A list of the 1986 Alaska lineup is listed on this [http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=86&view=findpost&p=80585|thread]. |
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After the temporary departure of the [[San Miguel Beermen|Magnolia]] franchise prior to the start of the [[1986 PBA season]], the league was reduced to only five teams. Alaska Milk was accepted as the league's sixth member. Being a pro league newcomer, the ballclub was allowed to choose players from the pool presented by the PBA. The team was headed by Filipino-American owner [[Wilfred Steven Uytengsu]], team manager Joel Aquino and their coach was Tony Vasquez, who played for Ateneo de Manila during his playing days and as a coach, he piloted the Ateneo juniors to an NCAA championship and also once mentored the Blue Eagles. |
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Among the players they choose from the pool were [[Arnie Tuadles]] and [[Ricky Relosa]] from Ginebra, [[Rudy Distrito]], Marte Saldaña and Noli Banate from Magnolia, Alejo Alolor, [[Teddy Alfarero]] and [[Frankie Lim]] from Great Taste, and Dennis Abbatuan from Shell. In the PBA draft, as the newest member of the league, they had the first crack and Alaska selected [[Rey Cuenco]] as the number one overall pick. In the second and third rounds, they choose Ludovico Valenciano and Reynaldo Ramos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.interbasket.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9931&d=1501808122|title=New Faces in Play-for-Pay league|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804054744/http://www.interbasket.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9931&d=1501808122|archive-date=August 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*Dennis Abbatuan |
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*Teodocio 'Teddy' Alfarero † |
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*Alejo 'Pongkee' Alolor |
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*Noli Banate |
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*Reynaldo 'Rey' Cuenco † |
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*Rudy Distrito |
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*Frankie Lim |
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*Reynaldo Ramos Jr. |
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*Ricardo 'Ricky' Relosa |
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*Marte Saldaña |
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*Arnulfo 'Arnie' Tuadles † |
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*Ludovico 'Naning' Valenciano |
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*[[Norman Black]] |
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*Donnie Ray Koonce |
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*Jerry Lee Eaves |
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*Keith Morrison |
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Their very first two imports in the first conference of the season were the returning [[Donnie Ray Koonce]] and [[Jerry Eaves]], a third round draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 1982 and who played for Utah's entire 82-game regular season in his rookie year. Both were handpicked by Alaska coaching consultant [[Norman Black]], the former import and coach of the defunct Magnolia quintet who signed a one-year contract with the new team. |
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===1987: Hills Bros. Coffee Kings=== |
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In [[1987 PBA season|1987]], Alaska Milk changed its name to the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings. After Manila Beer's disbandment, the Coffee Kings acquired Yoyoy Villamin to form a bruising tandem with Ricky Relosa, known as the "Bruise Brothers". |
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Alaska placed fourth in their inaugural conference and missed out the semifinal round in the second and third conferences, placing fifth and sixth. |
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They also had former [[Crispa Redmanizers|Crispa]] shooter William "Bogs" Adornado to banner the team, although the former three-time MVP was already slowing down at the time. |
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===1987–1988: Bruise Brothers era=== |
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The All-Filipino saw the team finally jelling, with the emergence of the "Bruise Brothers" combination of Villamin and Relosa. It entered the Finals, where it got swept 3-0 by Great Taste Coffee. Despite the sweep, it was a brutal, physical Finals series with Villamin and Relosa being matched up against Great Taste's "Royal Brothers" Abe King and "The Sultan of Swat" Philip Cezar. |
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A [[Strike action|strike]] within [[Alaska Milk Corporation]] led the team to play under a different brand. AMC brought in [[Hills Bros. Coffee]] to mitigate the strike's impact on its brand.<ref>{{cite news |title=PBA: From milk to coffee, why Alaska at one point became known as Hills Bros |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/17/22/pba-the-time-alaska-was-known-by-another-brand |access-date=17 February 2022 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=17 February 2022}}</ref> The ballclub, temporarily renamed as the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings, had a new coach in [[Nat Canson]], who last coached the Gold Eagle Beer squad in 1984. Following Manila Beer's disbandment, the Coffee Kings acquired three players from the Brewmasters; [[Elpidio Villamin]], Tim Coloso and sophomore Adonis Tierra. They also acquired three-time PBA MVP [[Bogs Adornado|William 'Bogs' Adornado]] from Shell via trade and Ginebra discard Joey Marquez.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tGwVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gwsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4356%2C3041575|title=Hills Bros. Not crying over spilt milk|work=Manila Standard}}</ref> |
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In the 1987 All-Filipino Conference, the Coffee Kings surprisingly made it to the finals against corporate rival [[Great Taste Coffee Makers]]. This mark the birth of the tandem known as the "Bruise Brothers" in [[Yoyoy Villamin]] and Ricky Relosa, both players during their earlier years in the PBA were the promising forwards of legendary teams Crispa and Toyota. Villamin played alongside [[Abet Guidaben]] and [[Philip Cezar]] for Crispa while Relosa were teammates with [[Ramon Fernandez]] and [[Abe King]] at Toyota. The Coffee Kings were swept in the finals by Great Taste in three games. Coach Nat Canson resigned three weeks after the championship series. |
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By virtue of its runner-up finish, Hills Bros. participated in the Coca Cola PBA-IBA World Challenge Cup. They ended up last in the four team tourney behind the Champion IBA selection [[Los Angeles]] Cougars (which had future Alaska import Sean Chambers in its line-up), Great Taste Instant Milk and San Miguel. The Coffee Kings were paraded by imports Alex Adams and Mckinley Singleton. |
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Former Tanduay coach [[Arturo Valenzona]], who himself was ax from the job by Tanduay management after the Rhum Makers were eliminated, accepted the offer to coach the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings starting the third conference.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2p8VAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TQsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4662%2C2618065|title=Ginebra tackles Great Taste|work=Manila Standard}}</ref> Parading a sweet-shooting import [[Jose Slaughter]], who breaks the previous record for most three-point shots converted with 14 triples as he finished with 79 points in the October 18 game against Great Taste which they won, 129–115. Hills Bros were in their second finals stint after beating the Billy Ray Bates led-Ginebra in a playoff game on December 1, 1987. They faced San Miguel Beermen (formerly Magnolia) in the Reinforced Conference championship series and after winning Game One, they lost the next four games and finished bridesmaid for the second straight conference of the season. |
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Reinforced Conference saw Hills Bros. parading a sweet-shooting import by the name of Jose Slaughter. On October 18, 1987 in a game which Hills Bros. won over Great Taste 129-115, Jose Slaughter scored 79 points, the most ever scored by an Alaska/Hills Bros. player in a game. He also scored 14 three point field goals. |
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Returning to Alaska Milk in the [[1988 PBA season]], the team signed three players from Shell; Rey Lazaro, [[Biboy Ravanes]] and Willie Pearson to strengthen its lineup. Before the start of the season, Bogs Adornado announces his retirement from active playing and was given recognition by the PBA in the opening day on March 20, 1988. Alaska placed third in the Open and All-Filipino Conference of the season. Bogs Adornado would replace Arturo Valenzona as the team's head coach beginning the third conference. |
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The team also made the Finals, losing however to the Bobby Parks-reinforced [[San Miguel Beermen]] 4-1. |
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===1989–1992: Arrival of coach Tim Cone and Jolas with their 1st title=== |
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By the end of the year, Villamin and Relosa would be named the All-Defensive team. Villamin would also be named most improved player, the same award won by Ricky Relosa the year before. Nat Canson and former [[Tanduay Rhum Masters|Tanduay]] bench tactician Turo Valenzona were the team's head coach during the '87 campaign. |
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The year [[1989 PBA season|1989]] was an exciting year for Alaska as the team drafted the high-leaping [[Paul Alvarez]] and the backcourt tandem of [[Ric-Ric Marata]] and [[Elmer Cabahug]]. Veteran center [[Abet Guidaben]], who has been disgruntled in the last three months of the 1988 season following a bitter trade with Ramon Fernandez that sent him to Purefoods Hotdogs, has joined the "Bruise Brothers" to form a force inside the paint. Alaska was able to hire [[Sean Chambers]], who played with the American selection in two previous PBA/IBA series, as their import to replaced their first choice Carl Lott in the [[1989 PBA Open Conference|1989 Open Conference]]. Chambers led Alaska to a third-place finish in his first PBA stint. |
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American [[Tim Cone]], a member of the PBA's vintage panel, accepted the coaching chores for Alaska Milk on full-time starting the All-Filipino Conference. Alaska has long without a coach when Bogs Adornado was sacked after the elimination round of the first conference and team manager Joel Aquino handled the team on interim basis. |
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After that year, Adornado announced his [[retirement]] from the league, his jersey no. 33 was retired and was hung in the rafters of the [[The Ultra|ULTRA]] during the opening of the 1988 season. He was the first player in Alaska/Hills Bros franchise to have his number retired and was later named as the team's coach. [http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=86&view=findpost&p=1467] |
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Alaska continues to struggle despite the mixture of veterans and young players in the roster and team owner Wilfred Uytengsu could not hide his disappointment when the Milkmen went winless in the semifinals of the 1990 All-Filipino Conference. They got rid of one of their veterans; Abet Guidaben, who was traded to Pepsi for Harmon Codiñera. |
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===1988–1990: Alaska Air Force=== |
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In [[1988 PBA season|1988]], the team reverted back to the Alaska name with the Air Force moniker. Some believe that the nickname was a sort of Uytengsu's support for the US soldiers that were based in [[Olongapo]] at that time. |
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In the third conference of the [[1990 PBA season]], Alaska finally advances in the finals for the third time in franchise history and their first since the 1987 season. Going up against the [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods Hotdogs]], both teams were gunning for their first championship. Alaska had former Boston Celtic [[Carlos Clark]] and [[Sean Chambers]] as their imports to be pitted against [[Daren Queenan]] and [[Robert Rose (basketball)|Robert Rose]] of the Hotdogs. The Milkmen went up 2–0 in the best-of-five title series and on a threshold of winning their first trophy, but Purefoods came back and win the last three games to capture the 1990 PBA third conference crown. |
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The Air Force finished third place in both the Open and All-Filipino Conferences, In the PBA/IBA cup that year, Alaska, parade by imports Willie Bland and Eddie Cox, lost to Anejo-with Bobby Parks on loan from Shell in the Finals. Controversy then surrounds their high-flying import Willie Bland during the season-ending Reinforced Conference with Bogs Adornado now coach of Alaska, replacing Turo Valenzona. Bland was found to have deliberately throwing away games in favor of their opponents, just the same was given his walking papers. |
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'''1991:The JOLAS Era a.k.a. The Helicopter and Mr. Clutch.''' |
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Before the [[1989 PBA season|1989 season]], Alaska acquired three players in what many believed as the richest draft in league history. Paul "Bong" Alvarez, Ric-Ric Marata, and Elmer "Boy" Cabahug were taken from the draft. Same as the year before, Alaska won two third place trophies in the Open and Reinforced Conferences with import Sean Chambers. |
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Beginning the [[1991 PBA season]], the team let go of its vital cog, Yoyoy Villamin, who was traded along with Ric-Ric Marata to Sarsi. Elmer Cabahug was shipped to Purefoods and Alaska acquired the Hotdogs star player [[Jojo Lastimosa]] in return as he will team up with [[Paul Alvarez]] in which coach [[Tim Cone]] describes as unbeatable tandem. Alaska signed their two first round picks in the rookie draft, Alex Araneta and Eugene Quilban and their third rookie, Rhoel Gomez. There were criticisms on some of Alaska's moves during the off-season as they say experience was supposed to win championships instead of the fountain of youth. |
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===1991–2000: Alaska Milkmen=== |
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[[Image:Alaskamilkmen.png|thumb|right|150px|Alaska Milkmen logo from 1991 to 2000]] |
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After a third-place showing in the All-Filipino Conference, the Milkmen returned to the finals in the Third Conference with Paul Alvarez back in form after being idle for almost eight months, recuperating from the injury he suffered in 1990, in Game three of the title playoffs. Playing against crowd-favorite [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Ginebra San Miguel]], the Milkmen finally won their first PBA title, winning the best of five series, three games to one. Alaska import [[Sean Chambers]] got the better of his counterpart, Ginebra import [[Wes Matthews]], in the four-game series. |
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====Arrival of Tim Cone==== |
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In [[1989 PBA season|1989]], American [[Tim Cone|Earl Timothy Cone]] became the new coach of the Air Force after Adornado was fired during the season (owner Uytensu coached a won ballgame for the team). The year also saw the debut of Sean Chambers as Alaska's import. |
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In 1992, Alaska owned the second pick in the draft and they choose the burly 6'4" Stevenson Solomon, who had been in the mold of a Yoyoy Villamin and was part of the national team that regain the SEA Games basketball gold in Manila. Another national player, Allen Sasan, was chosen by Alaska in the first round. Despite a stronger lineup compared to the previous year, and with Lastimosa and Alvarez playing together for one full season, the Milkmen were eliminated in the All-Filipino and third conferences. |
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In [[1990 PBA season|1990]], Alaska advanced in the finals of the Third Conference against a young [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods]] team. Their imports then were Carlos Clark and Chambers. After a 2-0 lead in the Best-of-five series, Alaska suffered one of the biggest collapses in league history as Purefoods won the next three games to win the title. The team had the top pick in the draft and grabbed Alex Araneta out of [[Ateneo Blue Eagles|Ateneo]]. But in later years, Araneta was considered a bust and was out of the league by [[1997 PBA season|1997]]. |
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===1993–1995: The Abarrientos era and the rivalry with Sunkist=== |
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In [[1991 PBA season|1991]], Eugene Quilban joined Alaska from the rookie draft to bolster the Alaska squad. Jojo Lastimosa was acquired after being taken from Purefoods in a trade with Elmer Cabahug. After a third-place showing in the All-Filipino, they returned to the finals of the Third Conference against crowd-favorite [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Ginebra San Miguel]] and former [[Los Angeles Lakers|Laker]] Wes Matthews. Alvarez, Lastimosa, and their teammates dominated the series that saw them winning it, 3 games to 1 for their first title in team history. |
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Alaska previously had the best point guards in the past four years to back up their veteran and starting point guard [[Frankie Lim]], Ricric Marata for two years, then Eugene Quilban and [[Jun Reyes|Gilbert 'Jun' Reyes]] (whom Quilban was traded for), all big names during their amateur days. In 1993, Alaska picked another point guard in the rookie draft as the third overall, former FEU Tamaraw [[Johnny Abarrientos]], who has been making waves in the [[Philippine Basketball League]], winning PBL titles for three seasons and was expected to follow the footsteps of [[Hector Calma]] and [[Ronnie Magsanoc]] in the pros. He will be the starting point guard of Alaska as Frankie Lim, the last among the original milkmen, decided to moved out and joined the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs. |
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The beginning of what turn out to be a dynasty in the second part of the 1990s started in the [[1994 PBA season|1994 season]]. The Milkmen in the middle of last year acquired forward [[Bong Hawkins]] from [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]]. The team selected 6'5" center [[Poch Juinio]] in the [[1994 PBA draft]]. Alaska would win their second PBA title in the third conference called Governors Cup, defeating Swift Mighty Meaties in six games. |
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Alvarez was then eased out of the team when his one-on-one style didn't suit the new offensive scheme being enforced by Tim Cone – the [[triangle offense]]. Quilban later left Alaska for 7-Up, in which he led the team to a finals loss to [[Pop Cola Panthers|Swift]]. [http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=86&view=findpost&p=813] |
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Swift, renamed Sunkist Orange Juicers in the [[1995 PBA season]], became Alaska's finals rival that year. They played in the championship in the first two conferences of the season and the Orange Juicers prevailed both times. The three consecutive finals meeting between the two teams was the first since Crispa and Toyota in 1975–1976. Alaska was able to stop Sunkist' quest for a grandslam by retaining the Governors Cup crown, defeating San Miguel Beermen in seven games. |
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Alaska managed one third-place finish in [[1992 PBA season|1992]]. In the [[1993 PBA season|1993]] draft, the Milkmen drafted [[Far Eastern University]] [[point guard]] Johnny Abarrientos, an energetic and exciting little man who can drive to the basket against taller opponents. The Milkmen never won a trophy during their '93 campaign. |
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===1996 Grand Slam=== |
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In [[1994 PBA season|1994]], Alaska acquired Bong "The Hawk" Hawkins from [[Sta. Lucia Realtors|Sta. Lucia]] which helped him resurrect his career. Alaska lost to Purefoods in the Commissioner's Cup Finals. In the Governor's Cup, Alaska defeated Swift to win their third PBA title with Abarrientos, Lastimosa, Hawkins, and import Sean Chambers leading the team. |
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Alaska return to the All-Filipino Cup finals against Purefoods, who were back in the All-Filipino finals after missing out in 1995. The Milkmen were considered the underdogs before the best of seven title showdown. They outbattled a tough and gritty TJ Hotdogs and won in just five games. Last season's rookie of the year [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] converted two free throws with 0.6 of a second remaining in overtime of Game five and Purefoods up by one, 92–91, to win it in a fitting moment as Alaska won their first All-Filipino title and their fourth PBA crown. |
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The Milkmen were in their seventh straight finals appearance when they go up against surprise finalist Formula Shell for the Commissioner's Cup title. The Milkmen were given a hard time by the Shell team of [[Benjie Paras]], [[Victor Pablo]] and import Kenny Redfield. The finals series went into a seventh and deciding game and Alaska's championship experience prove to be a key factor in winning, 83–77. Their import, Sean Chambers, was a late replacement for [[Derrick Hamilton (basketball)|Derrick Hamilton]], who was sent packing after traces of marijuana were discovered in his urine during the last stages of the semifinals. |
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In 1995, Alaska got Jeffrey Cariaso from the draft and added center Edward Juinio to the team. |
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Alaska made it to the Finals of all conferences of [[1995 PBA season|1995]]. In the All-Filipino, they lost a seven-game tussle against [[Pop Cola Panthers|Sunkist]]. In the rematch, the Ronnie Grandison-led Juicers once again powered the Derrick Hamilton-led Alaska to win the Commissioner's Cup crown. But in the Governor's Cup, the Milkmen overcame a 2-3 deficit to defeat [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]] in seven games with a strong performance by Lastimosa. Jeffrey Cariaso won Rookie of the Year honors at the end of this year. |
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In the Governor's Cup, Alaska completed the PBA's fourth grandslam, defeating Ginebra San Miguel in five games. In the year-end awards, [[Johnny Abarrientos]] was named MVP, [[Bong Hawkins]] settled for the Mythical five with [[Jojo Lastimosa]], Starting center [[Poch Juinio]] was the season's most improved player and [[Sean Chambers]] was a runaway winner of the best import award. |
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====1996 Grand Slam==== |
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In the All-Filipino Conference, the Milkmen defeated the [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods TJ Hotdogs]] team of [[Alvin Patrimonio]] and Jerry Codiñera in five games. In the series-clincher, Jeffrey Cariaso was fouled in the final second on an inbound play by Bong "The Raven" Ravena, Purefood's baseline specialist at that time. Cariaso sank both free-throws to seal Alaska's first title of the year. |
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===The dynasty continues (1997–1998)=== |
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Their toughest championship series was in the Commissioner's Cup Finals against a tough [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Formula Shell]] team of Benjie Paras, Victor Pablo, and import Kenny Redfield. After six grueling games, the Milkmen captured the seventh and final game to win their fifth title in franchise history with Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Bong Hawkins leading the team alongside import Sean Chambers, who came in to replace Derrick Hamilton midway through the conference. |
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Before the [[1997 PBA season]] started, Alaska lost three players who were integral part of the team that bagged four straight titles, they are Jun Reyes, whom Alaska dealt to Sta.Lucia in exchange for Boyet Fernandez, center [[Cris Bolado]], who moved to Purefoods, and Jeffrey Cariaso, who was shipped to Mobiline. New acquisitions Dwight Lago, Rodney Santos and Boyet Fernandez would be hampered by their unfamiliarity with Alaska's vaunted triangle offense. |
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In the All-Filipino Cup, the Milkmen were eliminated from the semifinals for the first time in four years. They return to the finals in the Commissioner's Cup but lost to Gordon's Gin Boars (formerly Ginebra) in six games. Alaska was able to retain the only crown left in their grandslam conquest last year by winning their fourth straight Governor's Cup trophy. Late in the eliminations, they acquired veteran center [[Jack Tanuan]] and the high-flying [[Kenneth Duremdes]] in exchange for Dwight Lago and [[Boyet Fernandez]] from [[Pop Cola Panthers|Pop Cola]]. Duremdes became a perfect replacement for Cariaso and in the title series against Purefoods Carne Norte Beefies, the Milkmen had an easier time in winning four games to one after losing the series opener. Alaska showed no mercy in a 94–66 rout in Game five. |
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Chambers returned for Alaska in the Governor's Cup and for the eighth straight time since 1994, Alaska was back in the Finals against crowd-favorite [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Ginebra San Miguel]] who ousted sister team [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]] in the semis. But it was a one-sided affair as the Milkmen went to win the first three games of the series before defeating Ginebra in Game five to capture the feat. |
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The Milkmen were in a bid for a second grandslam in the [[1998 PBA season|1998 season]] after defeating the Ron Jacobs-coached San Miguel Beermen twice in the finals of the first two conferences. They came back from a 2–3 series deficit in the All-Filipino Cup to win in seven games. In the Commissioner's Cup, dreadlock-sporting Devin Davis became the only other Alaska import in the 1990s besides Sean Chambers to lead the team to the crown. The Milkmen won their 9th PBA title, tying the famed [[Toyota Super Corollas]] as the third winningest ball club. |
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By season's end, Hawkins, Lastimosa, and Cariaso were included in the Mythical team while Abarrientos became the smallest man in PBA history to capture the coveted [[Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player award|Most Valuable Player award]]. |
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The possible 'Grand Slam II' for the team didn't happen with the [[1998 Asian Games]] set in December and [[Tim Cone|Cone]] being named head coach, Abarrientos, Duremdes and Lastimosa were tapped to lead the Philippine team. |
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====Post-grand slam==== |
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Alaska suffered one of the biggest losses prior to the [[1997 PBA season|1997]] season when Jeffrey Cariaso signed with new PBA franchise, [[Mobiline Phone Pals]]. The Milkmen failed to enter the semis of the All-Filipino Cup. |
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In the Commissioner's Cup, the first ten games of the tournament was bannered by former Ginebra import Sylvester Gray. He was eventually replaced by Kevin Holland and the Milkmen advanced to the Finals against [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Gordon's Gin Boars]]. The Boars took a 3-0 series lead but Alaska managed to win the next two games to cut the deficit to 3-2. However, Gordon's won Game Six as Alaska fell short again. |
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In the Governor's Cup, they acquired veteran center Jack "The Ripper" Tanuan and the high-flying Kenneth Duremdes in exchange for Dwight Lago and Boyet Fernandez from [[Pop Cola Panthers|Pop Cola]]. The 24-year-old Duremdes became a perfect replacement for Cariaso and a perfect running mate for Lastimosa and Abarrientos. Alaska, with Chambers once again as import, defeated Purefoods to win the title in five games. |
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In [[1998 PBA season|1998]], Alaska traded for former San Sebastian Star and slasher, Rodney Santos from the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs. Alaska then dominated the All-Filipino Cup and took on San Miguel in the finals. The Beermen led 3-2 after a strong showing by Nelson Asaytono in game five. But, Alaska won the next two games to capture another title. |
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Dreadlock-sporting Devin Davis powered Alaska in the Commissioner's Cup, winning Best Import honors. The team advanced to the finals in a rematch against the Beermen. Duremdes was named as the Best Player of the Conference while defeating San Miguel in six games for their ninth title despite losing Bong Hawkins to a season-ending injury. |
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Already, several people were hyping a possible 'Grand Slam II' for the team. But, with the [[1998 Asian Games]] set in December and [[Tim Cone|Cone]] was named head coach, he tapped Abarrientos, Duremdes, and Lastimosa to lead the Philippine team. |
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Assistants Jun Reyes and Dickey Bachmann took over for Alaska. But despite a strong showing from the slasher Rodney Santos and their resident shooter, Rhoel Gomez, the Milkmen failed to enter the semis of both the special [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup]] and the season-ending Governor's Cup. |
Assistants Jun Reyes and Dickey Bachmann took over for Alaska. But despite a strong showing from the slasher Rodney Santos and their resident shooter, Rhoel Gomez, the Milkmen failed to enter the semis of both the special [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup]] and the season-ending Governor's Cup. |
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Duremdes was named the Most Valuable Player at the end of the year, the second Alaska |
Duremdes was named the Most Valuable Player at the end of the year, the second Alaska Milkmen to win the coveted individual award. |
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===10th PBA title=== |
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With the arrival of some talented Filipino-American cagers in the league, the Milkmen opted to stick with the same core for the [[1999 PBA season|1999]] season. In the All-Filipino, the Milkmen was eliminated by expansion team [[Tanduay Rhum Masters|Tanduay]] in the semis. |
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With the arrival of some talented Filipino-American cagers in the league, the Milkmen opted to stick with the same core for the [[1999 PBA season|1999 season]]. In the All-Filipino, the Milkmen was eliminated by expansion team [[Tanduay Rhum Masters|Tanduay]] in the semis. |
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In the Commissioner's Cup, Devin Davis made his return to the team, but the young San Miguel team of [[Danny Ildefonso]] and [[Danny Seigle]] conspired with their import, Terquin Mott, to eliminate the Aces in five games. They finished third in the tournament. |
In the Commissioner's Cup, Devin Davis made his return to the team, but the young San Miguel team of [[Danny Ildefonso]] and [[Danny Seigle]] conspired with their import, [[Terquin Mott]], to eliminate the Aces in five games. They finished third in the tournament. |
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Alaska advanced to the Finals of the Governor's Cup with Chambers at the helm but San Miguel, led by Lamont "The Helicopter" Strothers, defeated the Milkmen in six games despite Alaska getting an early |
Alaska advanced to the Finals of the Governor's Cup with Chambers at the helm but San Miguel, led by [[Lamont Strothers|Lamont "The Helicopter" Strothers]], defeated the Milkmen in six games despite Alaska getting an early 2–1 series lead. |
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In [[2000 PBA season|2000]], Jojo Lastimosa was traded to Pop Cola as part of the team's future plan to rebuild. Alaska won their 10th PBA title at the expense of Purefoods in the All-Filipino Conference. Purefoods won Game one of this series but the Milkmen won the next four games to win the series. |
In [[2000 PBA season|2000]], Jojo Lastimosa was traded to Pop Cola as part of the team's future plan to rebuild. Alaska won their 10th PBA title at the expense of Purefoods in the All-Filipino Conference. Purefoods won Game one of this series but the Milkmen won the next four games to win the series. |
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The Milkmen failed to enter the Finals of the Commissioner's Cup after they were eliminated by the Beermen in the semi-finals. |
The Milkmen failed to enter the Finals of the Commissioner's Cup after they were eliminated by the Beermen in the semi-finals. |
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===2001–2022: Alaska Aces=== |
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As part of the league's move to strengthen its marketing through the PBA Properties, Alaska adopted a new moniker the Alaska Aces. Despite the change Alaska failed to reach the Finals of the Governor's Cup once again. |
As part of the league's move to strengthen its marketing through the PBA Properties, Alaska adopted a new moniker the Alaska Aces. Despite the change Alaska failed to reach the Finals of the Governor's Cup once again. |
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====2000–01 season==== |
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Before the [[2001 PBA season|2001]] season, the Aces traded popular star Johnny Abarrientos to the [[Pop Cola Panthers]] for forward Ali Peek and guard Jon Ordonio. In the draft, Alaska used the fifth pick to draft fil-am John Arigo. The Aces also signed Duremdes to a reported 48 million peso deal for seven years. |
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In the All-Filipino, the Aces were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Abarrientos and Pop Cola. In the Commissioners Cup, a strong showing by Peek gave defending champion San Miguel a fight but still loss in five games of the semis. In the Governors Cup, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. |
Before the [[2001 PBA season|2001 season]], the Aces traded popular star Johnny Abarrientos to the [[Pop Cola Panthers]] for forward [[Ali Peek]] and guard Jon Ordonio. In the draft, Alaska used the fifth pick to draft Fil-Am [[John Arigo]]. The Aces also signed Duremdes to a reported 48 million peso deal for seven years. In the All-Filipino conference, the Aces were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Abarrientos and Pop Cola. In the Commissioners Cup, a strong showing by Peek gave defending champion San Miguel a fight but still loss in five games of the semis. In the Governors Cup, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Chambers retired three games into the Governors Cup. In a simple ceremony, the Aces retired his #20 jersey, becoming the second player in team history to have his number retired. |
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====2001–02 season==== |
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Chambers retired three games into the Governors Cup. In a simple ceremony, the Aces retired his #20 jersey, becoming the second player in team history to have his number retired. |
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Duremdes was borrowed by the Philippine National Team in [[2002 PBA season|2002]] and Lastimosa made his return to Alaska. The Aces, with Ron Riley and Montreal Dobbins as imports, but after 6 games, Dobbins was replaced by James Head, advanced to the finals of the Governor's Cup against Purefoods. The Aces led |
Duremdes was borrowed by the Philippine National Team in [[2002 PBA season|2002]] and Lastimosa made his return to Alaska. The Aces, with [[Ron Riley (basketball, born 1973)|Ron Riley]] and [[Montreal Dobbins]] as imports, but after 6 games, Dobbins was replaced by [[James B. Head|James Head]], advanced to the finals of the Governor's Cup against Purefoods. The Aces led 2–0 in the seven-game series, but the TJ Hotdogs won the next three games. After Alaska tied it up in Game Six, Purefoods won Game seven to deny the Aces its 11th title. In the Commissioner's Cup, Ajani Williams and Chris Carawell bannered the Aces but was eliminated by Talk N' Text in the semi-finals. Duremdes returned for the Aces in the All-Filipino and made it to the finals. After winning Game 1, the Aces lost the next three games to settle another runner-up finish. |
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====2002–03 season: Invitational Champs==== |
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In the [[2003 PBA season|2003]] PBA Draft, Alaska shocked the league by trading their superstar, Kenneth Duremdes to the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]] for the fifth pick of the first round. This enabled Alaska to get Brandon Cablay as the team's top draft pick. |
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The Aces also held the first overall pick in the draft and selected [[De La Salle University-Manila]] star [[point guard]] [[Mike Cortez]], who was considered as the next great point guard in the Alaska franchise's history, following Johnny Abarrientos. |
In the [[2003 PBA season|2003]] PBA Draft, Alaska shocked the league by trading their superstar, Kenneth Duremdes to the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]] for the fifth pick of the first round. This enabled Alaska to get [[Brandon Cablay]] as the team's top draft pick. The Aces also held the first overall pick in the draft and selected [[De La Salle University-Manila]] star [[point guard]] [[Mike Cortez]], who was considered as the next great point guard in the Alaska franchise's history, following Johnny Abarrientos. |
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During halftime of their season opening game, Alaska retired Jojo Lastimosa's #6 jersey. During the offseason, Lastimosa announced his [[retirement]] after playing 15 seasons in the league. He |
During halftime of their season opening game, Alaska retired Jojo Lastimosa's #6 jersey. During the offseason, Lastimosa announced his [[retirement]] after playing 15 seasons in the league. He became one of the team's assistant coaches under coach Cone's era. |
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In the All-Filipino, Alaska failed in its bid to enter the Finals as they were eliminated by Talk 'N Text in a grueling five-game series. However, the Aces won the third |
In the All-Filipino, Alaska failed in its bid to enter the Finals as they were eliminated by Talk 'N Text in a grueling five-game series. However, the Aces won the third-place trophy via a blowout in expense of the [[San Miguel Beermen]]. |
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In the Invitational tournament, Alaska had to play in the qualifying round to enter the tournament. The Aces swept the elimination round, winning all four of its games, to make it to the semis. In a one-game showdown, Alaska defeated [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters |
In the Invitational tournament, Alaska had to play in the qualifying round to enter the tournament. The Aces swept the elimination round, winning all four of its games, to make it to the semis. In a one-game showdown, Alaska defeated [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]] to face [[Coca-Cola Tigers|Coca-Cola]] in the Finals. |
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The Tigers won Game One of the series, but the Aces won the next two games to win their 11th PBA title, this time with a different set of players. Brandon Cablay was named as Finals MVP, while Ali Peek won Best Player of the Conference honors. |
The Tigers won Game One of the series, but the Aces won the next two games to win their 11th PBA title, this time with a different set of players. Brandon Cablay was named as Finals MVP, while Ali Peek won Best Player of the Conference honors. |
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In the Reinforced Conference, Alaska struggled in the tournament and was eliminated by Duremdes and Sta. Lucia in the quarters. |
In the Reinforced Conference, Alaska struggled in the tournament and was eliminated by Duremdes and Sta. Lucia in the quarters. |
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====2003–04 Fiesta Conference==== |
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Alaska paraded former [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] journeyman Galen Young for the 2004 Fiesta Conference. The Aces placed second after the elimination round of the tournament. But, they failed to enter the finals of the said tournament winning only one game in three outings in the semi-finals. |
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Alaska paraded former [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] journeyman [[Galen Young]] for the 2004 Fiesta Conference. The Aces placed second after the elimination round of the tournament. But, they failed to enter the finals of the said tournament winning only one game in three outings in the semi-finals. |
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In the [[2004–05 PBA season|2004–05]] season, the Aces managed to finished fourth in the qualifying round. After eliminating [[Barako Bull Energy|FedEx]] in the Wild-Card phase, they were swept by San Miguel in the quarters. During the tournament, Arigo and Peek were shipped to Coca-Cola for Jeffrey Cariaso and Reynel Hugnatan. Bong Hawkins also made his return to the Aces, reuniting him with Cariaso, assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa, and Cone. |
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====2004–05 season==== |
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Alaska hired Leon Derricks for the Fiesta Conference. However, his inconsistent game led to his replacement by former [[Chicago Bulls|Chicago Bull]] Dickey Simpkins. The addition of Simpkins helped Alaska climbed into third place at the end of the classification round. The Aces faced [[San Miguel Beer]] in the semis. A back injury sustained by Simpkins, after being elbowed in the back by Dorian Peña, prevented him from playing at full strength during the series. Former Alaska Ace, Bryan Gahol, hit the last second shot in Game three to eliminate Alaska from the tournament. |
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In the [[2004–05 PBA season|2004–05]] season, the Aces managed to finished fourth in the qualifying round. After eliminating [[Barako Bull Energy|FedEx]] in the Wild-Card phase, they were swept by San Miguel in the quarters. During the tournament, Arigo and Peek were shipped to Coca-Cola for [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] and [[Reynel Hugnatan]]. Bong Hawkins also made his return to the Aces, reuniting him with Cariaso, assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa, and Cone. Alaska hired Leon Derricks for the Fiesta Conference. However, his inconsistent game led to his replacement by former [[Chicago Bulls|Chicago Bull]] [[Dickey Simpkins]]. The addition of Simpkins helped Alaska climb into third place at the end of the classification round. The Aces faced Red Bull Thunder in the semis. A back injury sustained by Simpkins, after being elbowed in the back by [[Dorian Peña]], prevented him from playing at full strength during the series. Former Alaska Ace, [[Bryan Gahol]], hit the last second shot in Game three to eliminate Alaska from the tournament. |
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====2005–06 season==== |
====2005–06 season==== |
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Prior to the start of the [[2005–06 PBA season]], the Aces built up their lineup by acquiring national team pool members, Tony dela Cruz and Rich Alvarez from the disbanding [[Shell Turbo Chargers]]. The Aces also acquired the services of former Mobiline and Coca-Cola import Artemus "Tee" McClary for the Fiesta Conference. |
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After the Aces placed second behind Team Pilipinas in the Brunei Sultan's Cup, with Dela Cruz playing for the said team, the team was considered as one of the top contenders to win the upcoming season. |
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However, the Aces went on a slide after a good start. After Alaska blowing a 28-point lead and losing to the [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods Chunkee Giants]], the team went on a downhill since. With McClary's decline starting to show, he was eventually replaced by the 3-point shooting Odell Bradley who showed some impressive scoring outputs. However, Alaska still finished seventh in the classification phase with a 7-9 record. |
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The Aces swept Sta. Lucia in a best-of-three matchup in the wildcard phase before being swept in a best-of-five affair by eventual champion [[Barako Bull Energy|Red Bull Barako]]. |
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Prior to the start of the [[2005–06 PBA season]], the Aces built up their lineup by acquiring national team pool members, [[Tony dela Cruz]] and [[Rich Alvarez]] from the disbanding [[Shell Turbo Chargers]]. They also acquired the services of former Mobiline and Coca-Cola import Artemus "Tee" McClary for the Fiesta Conference. After the Aces placed second behind Team Pilipinas in the Brunei Sultan's Cup, with Dela Cruz playing for the said team, the team was considered as one of the top contenders to win the upcoming season. However, they went on a slide after a good start. After Alaska blowing a 28-point lead and losing to the [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods Chunkee Giants]], the team went on a downhill since. With McClary's decline starting to show, he was eventually replaced by the 3-point shooting [[Odell Bradley]] who showed some impressive scoring outputs. However, Alaska still finished seventh in the classification phase with a 7–9 record. The Aces swept Sta. Lucia in a best-of-three matchup in the wildcard phase before being swept in a best-of-five affair by eventual champion [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]]. |
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Weeks before the start of the Philippine Cup, Alaska traded Brandon Cablay to San Miguel in exchange for veteran Nic Belasco. On May 8, 2006, the Aces traded Don Allado to Talk 'N Text for guard Willie Miller and forward John Ferriols. Alaska finished with a 9-7 record in the classifications, thus earning an outright berth in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the Aces defeated the Coca-Cola Tigers, with former Alaska star [[Johnny Abarrientos]] on the squad, 3-1. The opening game of the series saw Alaska winning on a last second three-pointer by [[Nic Belasco]]. |
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In the semi-finals against top-seed [[ |
Weeks before the start of the Philippine Cup, Alaska traded Brandon Cablay to San Miguel in exchange for veteran Nic Belasco. On May 8, 2006, they traded [[Don Allado]] to Talk 'N Text for guard [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]], forward [[John Ferriols]], & a 2006 first round pick. Alaska finished with a 9–7 record in the classifications, thus earning an outright berth in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the Aces defeated the Coca-Cola Tigers, with former Alaska star [[Johnny Abarrientos]] on the squad, 3–1. The opening game of the series saw Alaska winning on a last second three-pointer by [[Nic Belasco]]. In the semi-finals against top-seed [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods Chunkee Giants]], the Aces led 3–1 and was a win away from a finals berth but failed to win all of the remaining games. Alaska would end the tournament on a winning note, capturing the third-place trophy with a 102–95 win over San Miguel, their 12th third-place finish in team history. |
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====2006–07 season: Fiesta Conference Champions==== |
====2006–07 season: Fiesta Conference Champions==== |
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Head coach [[Tim Cone]] signed a contract extension to remain with the team, erasing speculation of his possible dismissal. In the [[2006 PBA Draft]], Alaska selected [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran|Letran]]'s Aaron Aban and [[University of Santo Tomas|UST]]'s Christian Luanzon. |
Head coach [[Tim Cone]] signed a contract extension to remain with the team, erasing speculation of his possible dismissal. In the [[2006 PBA Draft]], Alaska selected [[Colegio de San Juan de Letran|Letran]]'s [[Aaron Aban]] and [[University of Santo Tomas|UST]]'s [[Christian Luanzon]]. |
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Alaska started the [[2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup]] poorly but rebounded to finish with an |
Alaska started the [[2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup]] poorly but rebounded to finish with an 8–10 record for a wildcard berth. After losing in a last-second overtime thriller against Coca-Cola, and a win by Sta. Lucia on the next game date eliminated Alaska from contention despite winning their last game against Sta. Lucia. |
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Injuries to Reynel Hugnatan and Mike Cortez affected the team's play throughout the said conference. |
Injuries to Reynel Hugnatan and Mike Cortez affected the team's play throughout the said conference. |
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However, Alaska started the [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference]] with a |
However, Alaska started the [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference]] with a 7–4 card before the All-Star break, with Roselle Ellis as their import. Shooting Guard, Willie Miller provided a strong performance for the Aces during the tournament posting numerous 20 point-games. |
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The return of Cortez sparked a late surge by the team by finishing with a |
The return of Cortez sparked a late surge by the team by finishing with a 12–6 record and beat Ginebra in a one-game playoff to earn an outright semifinals berth. |
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After eliminating the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals via a |
After eliminating the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals via a 4–2 series win, the Aces entered the finals for a 19th time to meet the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals. |
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Despite a |
Despite a 1–2 and a 2–3 deficit in the titular showdown, Miller, named the league's Most Valuable Player, erupted for 29 points to tie the series in Game 4 and recovered from a dismal performance in Game 5 with a sterling 37-point output in Game 6 to force a decider. |
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The seventh game was a seesaw battle before Miller fired a go-ahead layup and a Reynel Hugnatan freethrow in the last two minutes to seal a |
The seventh game was a seesaw battle before Miller fired a go-ahead layup and a Reynel Hugnatan freethrow in the last two minutes to seal a 99–96 championship win for Alaska. |
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During this season, American author and journalist [[Rafe Bartholomew]] followed the team as part of a [[Fulbright Scholarship]] study on basketball in the Philippines. The story of the team, along with other anecdotes from his time in the country, was made into a book, titled ''Pacific Rims'' and published in the spring of 2011. |
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====2007–08 season==== |
====2007–08 season==== |
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Alaska picked Adamson stalwart, Ken Bono, and University of Visayas Green Lancers starting center, JR "Baby Shaq" Quiñahan as the 6th and 7th overall picks of the [[2007 PBA Draft]] along with second round selection Ardy Larong. |
Alaska picked Adamson stalwart, [[Ken Bono]], and University of Visayas Green Lancers starting center, [[J. R. Quiñahan|JR "Baby Shaq" Quiñahan]] as the 6th and 7th overall picks of the [[2007 PBA Draft]] along with second round selection [[Ardy Larong]]. |
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In order to free up some cap spaces, the team traded veteran forward [[Nic Belasco]] to Welcoat in exchange for Junjun Cabatu while signing free agent Ariel Capus. |
In order to free up some cap spaces, the team traded veteran forward [[Nic Belasco]] to Welcoat in exchange for [[Junjun Cabatu]] while signing free agent Ariel Capus. |
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In the 2007–08 Philippine Cup, the Aces lost at the semis against Sta. Lucia. |
In the 2007–08 Philippine Cup, the Aces lost at the semis against Sta. Lucia. |
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Before the start of the Fiesta Conference, Alaska acquired former King Blue Eagles |
Before the start of the Fiesta Conference, Alaska acquired former King Blue Eagles [[LA Tenorio]] and [[Larry Fonacier]] in exchange for ace point guard Mike Cortez and 1st round draft pick Ken Bono. They also tapped former Chicago Bull and Talk 'N Text import [[Randy Holcomb]] as their reinforcement to help them defend the crown. Alaska, started slowly winning only 2 of their 6 matches including a 4-game losing streak. Then came a rumor that Holcomb would be replaced by former Milwaukee Buck Daniel Santiago. However, it was confirmed that the rumors were not true and they were not in negotiations with the Puerto Rico national team starting center. Alaska came on to a conference high 6-game winning streak and made their record to 8–6 and had a chance of getting a semi-final seat. |
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In their 2nd |
In their 2nd-round game against Magnolia, Alaska was trailing along the way until the final minute which they came in and even grabbed the lead, but Alaska's semi-final dream came to an end when a call by the referee with 0.3 seconds left caused them the game. Tied at 99 all, former Alaska Ace Mike Cortez split his freethrows to give Magnolia a one-point lead. However, Larry Fonacier's jumper went in front of the rim as time expired and Magnolia escaped with a nail-biting 100–99 win over the defending champions. |
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====2008–09 season: On the road to 13th title==== |
====2008–09 season: On the road to 13th title==== |
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In the 2008 Annual Rookie Draft held on August 31, 2008 at Market! Market!, Taguig |
In the 2008 Annual Rookie Draft held on August 31, 2008, at Market! Market!, Taguig, Alaska drafted scoring guard [[Solomon Mercado]] at fifth in the first round and grabbing Mapúa star [[Kelvin dela Peña]] at fifteenth in the second round. A day after the draft, the team acquired 2007 first overall pick and team leading scorer [[Joe Devance]] from Rain or Shine (formerly Welcoat Dragons) in exchange for Mercado and wingman [[Eddie Laure]]. |
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On September 4, 2008, the team signed 2004 7th overall pick Ervin Sotto. While on September 22, 2008, Alaska traded |
On September 4, 2008, the team signed 2004 7th overall pick [[Ervin Sotto]]. While on September 22, 2008, Alaska traded Quiñahan to the Air21 Express in exchange for 2008 6th overall pick [[Mark Borboran]]. Meanwhile, the team also signed veteran 6–9 Eric Canlas through free agency. |
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The Aces started their campaign on their quest for their 4th All-Filipino crown on a high note including a |
The Aces started their campaign on their quest for their 4th All-Filipino crown on a high note including a 4–0 start. They struggled in the middle part of the conference but still remained the leader in the standings. Alaska finished as the number one team after the elimination round winning 12 games in 18 matches and was the first team to secure a seat in the Semifinals giving them a long rest. After three weeks of waiting, they faced the defending Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realtors, a re-match of last year's Semifinals which went to a seven-game grueling series. The Realtors swept the depleted-lineup of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Quarterfinals. The Aces beat the defending champion Realtors in six games to advance and arranged a Finals showdown with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. They had a 2–0 lead first but Talk 'N Text tied the series 2–2. In Game 5, Alaska won 95–93 courtesy by Willie Miller's tough three-point shot. In Game 6, Talk 'N Text tied the series 3–3 to force a Game 7. In Game 7, they had a chance to win the title but the missed free throws during the crucial seconds of the game by Miller and Joe Devance gave Talk 'N Text the win and the title, 93–89. |
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====2009–10 season: two straight Finals appearances and their 13th title==== |
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In the All-Filipino Cup, Alaska started strong and finished in first place in the standings, earning them an automatic semi-final seat. Willie Miller led the Aces in scoring with LA Tenorio continued to blossom for the Aces. They swept Ginebra in the semi-finals and faced Purefoods for the championship, who defeated San Miguel in the semis. Despite their strong output during the eliminations, Purefoods swept them in the finals, including three straight game heart-breaking losses. |
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In the Fiesta Conference, Alaska paraded import [[Diamon Simpson]]. Simpson, who played for the [[Los Angeles D-Fenders]], an NBA D-League team and affiliate of back-to-back NBA champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] before coming to the PBA, was very impressive and fit perfectly into Tim Cone's Triangle System. He nearly averaged 30 points and 20 rebounds a game and made Alaska the favorites to win it all in the import-laden conference. In the middle of the conference, leading scorer Willie Miller was traded to the [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra Kings]] in exchange for high flyer [[Cyrus Baguio]]. It was stated by Miller's agent <ref>{{ cite news |title=Miller wants out of Alaska; Purefoods, Coca-Cola interested |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/167112/sports/miller-wants-out-of-alaska-purefoods-coca-cola-interested |work=[[GMA News and Public Affairs]] |date=July 10, 2009 |access-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711000608/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/167112/sports/miller-wants-out-of-alaska-purefoods-coca-cola-interested |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> that Miller wanted out of Alaska before the season started. After the trade was approved and made, in a coincidence, Alaska's next game was against Ginebra. In that game, the Aces trailed most of the game until the fourth quarter, when Cyrus Baguio finally exploded for 14 points to lead Alaska to a come from behind win. The Aces put team captain [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] in the reserve list in what would have been his retirement but a few games later, Cariaso returned to play once more. Alaska also signed veteran guard [[Topex Robinson]] during the season. |
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In the All-Filipino Cup, Alaska started strong and finished in first place in the standings, earning them an automatic semi-final seat. Willie Miller led the Aces in scoring with LA Tenorio continued to blossom for the Aces. Alaska swept Ginebra in the semi-finals and met Purefoods for the championship, who defeated San Miguel in six games. |
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Alaska met rival Talk N Text in the semi-finals. LA Tenorio was awarded as the Most Improved Player in the league. Former Alaska point guard [[Johnny Abarrientos]] announced his retirement after playing 15 seasons in the league. The Aces defeated the Tropang Texters in a grueling seven-game series despite being down 2–3. The Aces met top seed [[San Miguel Beermen]] led by best import [[Gabe Freeman]] in the finals. The Aces dominated the Beermen and won their 12th Championship in six games. LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio were named co-Finals MVPs of the series. |
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Despite Alaska's strong output during the eliminations, Purefoods swept them in the finals, including three straight game heart-breaking losses. |
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At the end of the season, [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] retired and Tony Dela Cruz was named the new captain of the team. |
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Alaska paraded import [[Diamon Simpson]] in the Fiesta Conference. Simpson, who played for the [[Los Angeles D-Fenders]], a former NBA D-League team and affiliate of back-to-back NBA champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]] before coming to the PBA, was very impressive and fitted perfectly in to Tim Cone's Triangle System. He nearly averaged 30 points and 20 rebounds a game and made Alaska to be the favorites to win it all in the import-laden conference. |
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====2010–11 season: The franchise's 25th anniversary==== |
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In the middle of the conference, leading scorer Willie Miller was traded to the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] in exchange for high flyer Cyrus Baguio. It was rumored{{By whom|date=October 2011}} that Miller wanted out of Alaska before the season started. After the trade was approved and made, in a coincidence, Alaska's next game was against Ginebra. In that game, the Aces trailed most of the game until in the fourth quarter when Cyrus Baguio finally exploded for 14 points and showed his talents to lead Alaska to a comeback win. The Aces put team captain [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] in the reserve list in what would have been his retirement but a few games after, Cariaso returned and played again. Alaska also signed veteran guard [[Topex Robinson]] during the season. |
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Before the season began, the Aces celebrated their 25th anniversary as a PBA franchise on September 28, 2010. During the commemoration, they formally retired the jerseys of [[Bong Hawkins]] (#16) and [[Johnny Abarrientos]] (#14). Both players were instrumental for their [[Grand Slam (PBA)|grandslam finish]] in [[1996 PBA season|1996]]. [[2010 PBA draft|On draft day]], they traded shooter [[Larry Fonacier]] to Talk 'N Text in exchange for the fourth overall pick which was used to pick former UE Warrior [[Elmer Espiritu]]. With [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] already retired, they traded their second pick in first round to Meralco for another former UE player [[Bonbon Custodio]]. They also drafted JRU's [[Marvin Hayes (basketball)|Marvin Hayes]] as #2 pick in the second round. |
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For the duration of the [[2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine Cup]], they sported their [[Throwback uniform|throwback]] early 1990s light uniform temporary replacing their current light jersey. They finished the conference with a 7–7 record. Thanks to Joe Devance's improved play, good enough for them to be qualified in the quarterfinals. However, they were defeated by Ginebra in a do-or-die five games series despite leading 2–0 and up by 20 in game 5. |
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Alaska met rival Talk N Text in the semi-finals. LA Tenorio was awarded as the Most Improved Player in the league. Former Alaska point guard [[Johnny Abarrientos]] announced his retirement after playing 15 seasons in the league. The Aces defeated the Tropang Texters in a grueling seven-game series despite being down 2-3. The Aces met top seed [[San Miguel Beer]] led by best import [[Gabe Freeman]] in the finals. The Aces dominated the Beermen and won their 13th Championship in six games. LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio were named co-Finals MVP of the series. |
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In the 2011 Commissioner's Cup, they paraded former Chicago Bull [[Eddie Basden]] as their import. Before the conference started, the Aces played in Cebu for an Invitational Tournament that made them the champions in the said league. However, Basden failed to pass the height limit requirement for imports which was 6'4. They quickly replaced him with 2010 NBA D-League Slam Dunk Champion [[L. D. Williams|LD Williams]]. They also traded long time bruiser [[Reynel Hugnatan]] to Meralco for young guns [[Hans Thiele]] and [[Paolo Bugia]], released Marvin Hayes and signed guard [[Don Dulay]]. [[Topex Robinson]], who still has a live contract with Alaska, joined Tim Cone's crew as one of the assistant coaches of the team. |
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At the end of the season, [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] retired and Tony Dela Cruz was named the new captain of the team. |
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Before the start of the 2011 Governor's Cup, they traded rookie [[Elmer Espiritu]] to Air21 in exchange for swingman [[Wesley Gonzales]]. On May 27, 2011, Alaska was forced to let go of [[Joe Devance]] after the talented Fil-Am forward begged off. Team manager Joaqui Trillo, however, stressed Devance was guaranteed the maximum pay through the end of his current contract. They eventually decided to trade him to Air21 Express for [[Jay-R Reyes]]. On the next day, Commissioner Salud requested Air21 to add up another player or its 2011 first round pick as he finds the trade "uneven". The Express responded with the 2011 and 2012 second round picks making Salud nod in the deal. The Aces also signed PBA Veteran [[Aries Dimaunahan]]. In the third conference, they had a slow start, losing their first two games but quickly bounced back winning four of their last five games, thanks to import Jason Forte's hustle play. The team's improved play led by LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio plus newcomer Wesley Gonzales' "real game" started to pay off, and the Aces qualified to the step ladder semifinals. The Aces finished with 8 wins in 13 outings including the semifinals despite losing key players Cyrus Baguio and Wesley Gonzales to injuries. But due to the controversial quotient system, Alaska failed to enter the finals with Petron having the superior quotient despite with the same records with Ginebra and the Aces itself. |
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==== 2010-11 season: The franchise's 25th anniversary ==== |
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Before the season began, Alaska celebrated their 25th anniversary as a PBA franchise on September 28, 2010. During the commemoration, they have formally retired the jerseys of [[Bong Hawkins]] (#16) and [[Johnny Abarrientos]] (#14). Both players were instrumental for their [[Grand Slam (PBA)|grandslam finish]] in [[1996 PBA season|1996]].<ref>[http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=608987&publicationSubCategoryId=69 Alaska Aces: We're going to Disneyland], THE GAME OF MY LIFE By Bill Velasco, ([[The Philippine Star]]), September 4, 2010.</ref> |
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====2011–12 Tim Cone era ends; Joel Banal succeeds==== |
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The league decided to go back to the three-conference format: All-Filipino Cup, Commissioner's Cup and the Governor's Cup. |
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The Aces released [[Paolo Bugia]], [[Don Dulay]] and [[Michael Burtscher|Mike Burtscher]], while guard [[Aries Dimaunahan]] returned to [[Air21 Express (2012–2014)|Shopinas.com Clickers]] where his rights are based. In the [[2011 PBA draft]], Alaska picked former FEU main man and Smart-Gilas standout [[Mac Baracael]] at sixth overall in the first round. In the second round, the Aces have four picks and used it to get former Blue Eagle leading scorer Eric Salamat at the 13th, Fil-Am Julius Pasculado at the 14th, and big man Ariel Mepana at the 15th. The Aces also owned the 17th pick but decided to trade it to Meralco for its 2014 second round pick. |
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In the PBA Draft, Alaska traded shooter Larry Fonacier to Talk N Text in exchange for the fourth overall pick that led them to draft former UE Warrior [[Elmer Espiritu]]. With [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] retiring, the Aces traded their second round pick to Meralco for another former UE player [[Bonbon Custodio]]. Alaska used their second draft pick in the second round to get JRU's Marvin Hayes. |
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On September 1, 2011, Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu held a rare press conference announcing Tim Cone's departure as head coach of the Aces after spending 22 years at the helm with the team. He said that Cone left Alaska to seek opportunities outside of the organization. He was succeeded by his lead assistant [[Joel Banal]], who inked a three-year deal to lead the team. In his first conference as the Aces' new tactician, the team struggled in the All-Filipino Cup and had one of their worst finishes in years, winning only three games out of fourteen outings. |
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For the duration of the [[2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine Cup]], Alaska will wear their [[Throwback uniform|throwback]] early 1990s light uniform temporary replacing their current light jersey. |
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They recruited 6'10 Matt Haryasz out of [[Stanford University]] as their reinforcement for the Commissioner's Cup. However, Haryasz was replaced by returning import and Mexico national team member [[Adam Parada]] before the start of the conference. The Aces also signed swingman [[Niño Gelig]] to bolster their lineup. Gelig had been a former teammate of [[Cyrus Baguio]] and were known as the dynamic combo during their UST days in the UAAP as well as in the now-defunct PBL. |
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On April 16, 2012, Banal stepped down as coach. Alaska owner Wilfred Uytengsu appointed long-time assistant coach [[Luigi Trillo]], son of the current PBA governor Joaqui Trillo to handle the team for the rest of the season. They also brought back Jason Forte as reinforcement in the Governor's Cup. They went on and finished 9th in the league winning only two of their nine outings. The Aces failed to enter the quarter-finals with the team having its worst finish in a season since it joined the league. |
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Alaska finished the conference with a 7-7 record. Thanks to Joe Devance's improved play, it was enough for the Aces to be qualified in the quarterfinals. However, they were defeated by Ginebra in a do-or-die five games series despite leading 2-0 and up by 20 in game 5. |
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====2012–13 season: The Calvin Abueva era,Champions again==== |
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In the Commissioner's Cup, Alaska paraded former Chicago Bull [[Eddie Basden]] as their import for the upcoming conference. Before the conference started, Alaska played in Cebu for an Invitational Tournament that made them the champions in the said league. However, Basden failed to pass the height limit requirement for imports which was 6'4. Alaska quickly replaced him and got 2010 NBA D-League Slam Dunk Champion [[LD Williams]]. The Aces also traded long time bruiser [[Reynel Hugnatan]] to Meralco for young guns [[Hans Thiele]] and [[Paolo Bugia]] and released Marvin Hayes. Alaska also signed guard [[Don Dulay]]. [[Topex Robinson]], who still has a live contract with Alaska, joined Tim Cone's crew as one of the assistant coaches of the team. |
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Having earned the second worst record [[2011-12 PBA season|the season before]], Alaska was awarded with the second overall pick in the draft lottery. On August 19, 2012, at the PBA Rookie Draft, the Aces selected NCAA Season 87 MVP [[Calvin Abueva]] of the San Sebastian Stags as the second overall pick. As most of the analysts said that Abueva, who was monickered as "the Beast" due to his impressive basketball skills, had been the most talented player in the draft. Abueva leads the NCAA in points, rebounds and assists directory. While in the second round, the Aces snatched former UE Warrior point guard [[Raphy Reyes]] and swingman [[Karl Dehesa]]. They also retained head coach [[Luigi Trillo]] and hired [[Alex Compton]], [[Louie Alas]] and reinstated [[Topex Robinson]] as assistant coaches. [[Leo Austria]] was supposed to join the Aces' coaching staff as well but focused first with his head coaching job at [[Adamson University]], making him available for next year. [[Dickie Bachmann]] was promoted to assistant manager while [[Jojo Lastimosa]] was tasked to man the sports camp director post. |
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Two weeks after the draft, the Aces made another blockbuster deal involving four other teams. As a result, they sent point guard LA Tenorio to Ginebra and acquired [[JVee Casio]], [[Dondon Hontiveros]], and Ginebra's 2015 2nd Round Pick.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Atayde|first1=Aaron|title=Five-Team Trade is Complete, LA Tenorio to Ginebra|url=http://www.slamonlineph.com/five-team-trade-is-finally-complete-la-tenorio-to-ginebra|website=www.slamonlineph.com|publisher=Slam Philippines|access-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901071956/http://www.slamonlineph.com/five-team-trade-is-finally-complete-la-tenorio-to-ginebra/|archive-date=September 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> They also signed second round draft pick Raphy Reyes to boost their back court and brought back veterans [[Nic Belasco]] and [[Eddie Laure]], who helped the Aces win the championship last 2007. After the [[San Sebastian College-Recoletos]] Golden Stags bowed out at the hands of [[Letran]] Knights in the [[NCAA]] Final Four, Abueva signs with the Aces in a three-year max rookie deal. |
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Before the Governor's Cup, Alaska traded rookie Elmer Espiritu to Air21 in exchange for swingman [[Wesley Gonzales]]. Aces coach Tim Cone said that they were pursuing Gonzales since the last three years. On May 27, 2011, Alaska Aces was forced to let go of [[Joe Devance]] after the talented Fil-Am forward begged off. Team manager [[Joaqui Trillo]], however, stressed Devance is guaranteed of the maximum pay through the end of his current contract next year. So, Alaska Management trade Joe Devance for Air21 Express' [[Jay-R Reyes]]. On the next day, Commissioner Salud requested Air21 to add up another player or its 2011 first round pick as he finds the trade "uneven". The Express responded with the 2011 and 2012 second round picks making Salud nod in the deal. The Aces also signed PBA Veteran [[Aries Dimaunahan]]. |
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The Aces managed to finish 5th in the standings with eight wins on fourteen meetings to qualify the quarterfinals. They swept 4th-seed [[Meralco Bolts]], in two games and entered the semifinals to face defending champion [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters|Talk 'N Text]]. Many are surprised with the Aces' performance as they pushed the defending champions in six grueling games before losing. |
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Alaska had a tweak start losing their first two games but quickly bounced back winning four of their last five games. Thanks to import Jason Forte's hustle play who coach Tim Cone called as "underrated", the team's improved play led by LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio plus newcomer Wesley Gonzales' "real game" starting to pay off, the Aces qualified to the step ladder semifinals. The Aces finished with 8 wins in 13 outings including the semifinals despite losing key players Cyrus Baguio and Wesley Gonzales to an injury. But due to the controversial quotient system, Alaska failed to enter the finals with Petron having the superior quotient despite with the same records with Ginebra and the Aces itself. |
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In the Commissioner's Cup, Alaska tapped former [[University of Memphis]] Tiger [[Robert Dozier]] as their reinforcement. They also nabbed [[Aldrech Ramos]] from San Mig Coffee after trading [[Mac Baracael]] to Ginebra. Dozier fit perfectly well in the Aces' system and thanks to his brilliant performance plus support from local stars Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, JVee Casio, Calvin Abueva and sixth man Dondon Hontiveros, Alaska topped the standings with an 11–3 record at the end of the eliminations and gained twice to beat advantage in quarterfinal round. They beat Air21 in the quarterfinals to face San Mig Coffee in the semis, setting up an attempt to finally beat former Alaska long-time coach Tim Cone. San Mig won Game 1 on a Bowles game winner but Alaska regained the momentum as they won the last three games to advance to the Finals against [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]]. They swept the Kings in three lopsided games to win the 2013 Commissioner's Cup trophy. This was the 14th championship for the Aces and the first one without their long-time coach, Tim Cone. Rob Dozier was the run-away Best Import of the Conference, while Sonny Thoss was minted the Finals MVP. |
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==== 2011-12 Tim Cone era ends; Joel Banal succeeds ==== |
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In the Governor's Cup, Alaska tapped former New Mexico State standout [[Wendell McKines]] as import. Though McKines was consistent in the tournament by averaging a 30 point-20-rebounds every game, Alaska struggled during the conference but was good enough to qualify in the Playoffs with four wins in nine outings. They faced San Mig Coffee, which has a twice-to-beat advantage. The Aces came back from a 15-point deficit in the first game to force a do-or-die match-up but lost in the second game, bowing out of the Governor's Cup. During the Finals, Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva was named the Rookie Of The Year and included in the PBA Mythical First Team. Guard Cyrus Baguio and Center Sonny Thoss was included in the Mythical Second Team while JVee Casio won the Sportsmanship Award. |
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Alaska decided to release Paolo Bugia, Don Dulay and Mike Burtscher. While former [[University of Santo Tomas|UST]] guard Aries Dimaunahan returned to [[Shopinas.com Clickers]] where his rights are based. |
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On November 12, 2013, the PBA Press Corps awarded Luigi Trillo as the Coach of the Year for the 2012–13 Season beating Grand Slam coaches Norman Black of Talk N' Text and former Alaska head coach Tim Cone of the San Mig Coffee Mixers. Trillo steered Alaska from a lottery team in 2011–12 to a title contender last season. Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva was named in the All-Rookie Team along with Petron Blaze Boosters' Junemar Fajardo, Meralco Bolts' Cliff Hodge, San Mig Coffee Mixers' Alex Mallari and hotshot Chris Tiu of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. |
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Last August 28, 2011 at the PBA Rookie Draft, Alaska picked former FEU main man and Smart-Gilas standout Mac Baracael at sixth overall during the first round. In the second round, the Aces have four picks and used it to get former Blue Eagle leading scorer Eric Salamat at the 13th, mystery Fil-Am Julius Pasculado at the 14th, and big man Ariel Mepana at the 15th. The Aces also owned the 17th pick but decided to trade it to Meralco for its 2014 second round pick. |
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====2013–14 Season: Trillo Out, Compton In==== |
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On September 1, 2011 Alaska made a rare press conference and shocked the basketball industry to announce that after 22 years of coaching the Alaska Aces, Tim Cone resigns as head coach of the Aces. Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said that the legendary head coach is leaving Alaska to seek opportunities outside of the organization. He is succeeded by his lead assistant Joel Banal who inked a three-year deal to lead the team. |
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Long-time Alaska Governor/Team Manager Joaqui Trillo announced his retirement effectively at the start of the 2013–14 PBA Season. Former Aces assistant coach Dickie Bachmann has been tapped as his replacement. |
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Alaska signed rookies [[Mac Baracael]] to a three-year deal and Eric Salamat to a two-year contract. While Fil-Am Julius Pasculado and Ariel Mepaña have signed a one-year contract each. [[Wesley Gonzales]] and [[Brandon Cablay]] were given new contracts while the team decided not to re-new the contract of Mark Borboran. |
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In the 2013 PBA Draft, Alaska used their 8th overall pick to select former Blue Eagle [[Ryan Buenafe]], former FEU Tamaraw [[Chris Exciminiano|Chris "Ping" Exciminiano]] in the second round, and PBA D-League bigman Raymund Ilagan in the third round. The Aces traded their other second round pick to the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters for a future second round pick as well. They also signed former [[Alaska Baseball League|ABL]] MVP Leo Avenido to bolster their lineup in the upcoming 2013–14 PBA Philippine Cup. The Aces managed to win 8 games in 14 outings and qualify for the playoffs as an eight seed and faced top-seeded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who has a twice-to-beat advantage. Alaska forced a do-or-die by taking Game 1 but fell short in Game 2, eliminating them in the process. |
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In head coach Joel Banal's first conference as he Aces' new tactician, Alaska struggled in the All-Filipino Cup and had one of their worst finishes in years winning only three games out of fourteen outings. The management and its players promised that they will bounce back in the next conference which is the import-laden Commissioner's Cup. |
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In the Commissioner's Cup, the Aces brought back reigning best import [[Robert Dozier]], who helped Alaska snatch their 13th title [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals|the year before]]. They traded [[Aldrech Ramos]] to Air21 Express for bruiser Vic Manuel to beef up their frontline. The Aces had a 1–3 slow start but managed to win their remaining five games to earn the number 3 seed in the playoffs. They faced sixth seed San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in a best-of-three series. The Aces took Game 1 but lost Games 2 and 3 and again, they failed to enter the semifinals for the third straight conference. |
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Alaska recruited 6'10 Matt Haryasz out of [[Stanford University]] as their reinforcement for the Commissioner's Cup. However, Haryasz was replaced by returning import and Mexican national team member [[Adam Parada]] before the start of the conference. The Aces also signed swingman Niño Gelig to bolster their lineup. Gelig is a former team mate of [[Cyrus Baguio]] and were known as the dynamic combo during their UST days in the UAAP as well as in the now-defunct PBL. |
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Alaska tapped former [[NBA]] player [[Bill Walker (basketball)|Bill Walker]], who suited up for the [[Boston Celtics]] and the [[New York Knicks]] as their reinforcement in the Governor's Cup. After splitting their first two games, Luigi Trillo stepped down as head coach of Alaska. Trillo, who was awarded as the PBA Coach of the Year in 2013, resigned because of "family reasons". With Trillo throwing the towel, team owner Wilfred Uytengsu appointed lead assistant Alex Compton as the team's new tactician. Alaska suffered its worst defeat in history, a 51-point deficit at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Rumors sparkled that the team was being put on sale to newcomer NLEX Corp, who wanted to buy an existing franchise instead of starting from scratch. Team manager Dickie Bachmann shut down the rumors stating the team was "here to stay." Uytengsu also denied the rumors and stated that he was not selling the franchise with the second-most wins in the PBA. He called the reports as "silly and laughable". The following week, Alaska extended the contracts of main core players Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and JVee Casio for another three years. The Aces finished the conference with a 5–4 record making them the third seed and earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs. They eliminated crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals, 92–81. The Aces entered the semifinals and faced the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]]. Despite leading the series two games to one, the Aces lost the series in five grueling games and finished third place in the tournament. |
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==== 2011-2012 Joel Banal resigns; Luigi Trillo appointed as Interim coach ==== |
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====2014–15 Season: The birth of The Comeback Kids and #WeNotMe==== |
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On April 16, 2012, Joel Banal stepped aside over the weekend to give Alaska Aces management an opportunity to explore coaching alternatives. Alaska owner Wilfred Uytengsu appointed long-time assistant coach Luigi Trillo, son of the current PBA governor Joaqui Trillo to handle the team for the at least rest of the season. Also, for the upcoming Governors Cup, the team will bring back Jason Forte. |
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In the [[2014 PBA draft]], Alaska used the 5th overall pick to select Filipino-Italian guard [[Chris Banchero]], who led the San Miguel Beermen to a championship in the [[ASEAN Basketball League|ABL]], and in the second round, they drafted San Beda stalwart [[Rome dela Rosa]]. The Aces also traded two future second round picks to [[Globalport Batang Pier|Global Port Batang Pier]] in exchange for former [[PBA MVP]] Eric Menk. In their preparations for the upcoming season, they hired [[Rob Beveridge]], a well-known successful coach in the Australian Basketball League to improve the team's performance focusing on defense. After signing their rookies Banchero and Dela Rosa to their respective contracts, they also signed veteran swingman [[Josh Vanlandingham]] from the free agent market. |
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Alaska went on and finished 9th in the league winning only two of their nine outings. The Aces failed to enter the quarter-finals with the team having its worst finish in a season since it joined the league. |
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They started the season 6–0 atop of the standings in the Philippine Cup <ref>{{cite web |title=ALASKA DEFENSE POWERS ACES TO 6–0 START IN PBA PHILIPPINE CUP |url=http://www.alaskaaces.com.ph/v3/alaska-defense-powers-aces-to-6-0-start-in-pba-philippine-cup |website=AlaskaAces.com.ph |publisher=AlaskaAces.com.ph |access-date=January 5, 2015 }}</ref> but suffered their first loss at the hands of Barako Bull.<ref>{{cite web|title=ALASKA ACES DROP 78–85 DECISION TO BARAKO BULL|url=http://www.alaskaaces.com.ph/v3/alaska-aces-drop-78-85-decision-to-barako-bull|website=AlaskaAces.com.ph|publisher=AlaskaAces.com.ph|access-date=January 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106001626/http://www.alaskaaces.com.ph/v3/alaska-aces-drop-78-85-decision-to-barako-bull|archive-date=January 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After winning a road game against GlobalPort in Cagayan de Oro City, they were denied of an outright semi-finals berth after losing two crucial games against Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, respectively. Yet, they still earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Quarterfinals. After demolishing NLEX in their quarterfinal matchup, the Aces faced Meralco Bolts in the knockout phase and won the game in a blowout fashion to set a rematch with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a best-of-seven semi-finals series. They finished the series in six games to face [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]] in the Finals for their 27th finals appearance. They battled the Beermen in seven gruelling games before eventually lost Game 7 by two points. |
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Alaska tapped [[D.J. Covington]] as their import for the Commissioner's Cup. After four games, he was replaced by [[Damion James]]. They also traded bruising forward [[Gabby Espinas]] to GlobalPort for defensive center [[Nonoy Baclao]]. Even with James as their reinforcement, the Aces could not come up with winning streaks, owing to injuries to key players Abueva, Casio, and Thoss. They recorded a 5–6 win loss record after the eliminations. Somehow, they punched a ticket to the Quarterfinals as the No. 6 seed after beating Barangay Ginebra in their last game, to set up a match with [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods]], who eventually swept them in the Quarterfinal rounds. |
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==== 2012-2013 A new era begins ==== |
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In the Governors' Cup, the Aces acquired the services of [[Romeo Travis]], [[LeBron James]]' childhood friend and high school teammate at [[St. Vincent–St. Mary High School|St. Vincent-St. Mary]]. They won the first three games of the conference, but lost two of their next three games to Talk N'Text and NLEX, respectively. Since then, they won four straight to clinch the top spot in the elimination round with 8–3 win–loss record, although they dropped their last game to GlobalPort. They easily deposed Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinal rounds to set up a semis showdown against [[Star Hotshots]]. They swept the Hotshots, 3–0 and earned a ticket to the [[2015 PBA Governors' Cup Finals|Finals]] for their 28th finals appearance. They set up a rematch against San Miguel, who eventually swept them, 4–0. |
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Having the second worst record during last season, Alaska was awarded with the second overall pick in the draft lottery. On August 19, 2012 at the PBA Rookie Draft, the Aces selected NCAA Season 87 MVP [[Calvin Abueva]] of the San Sebastian Golden Stags as the second overall pick. As most of the analysts said that Abueva, who was mo-nickered as "the Beast" due to his impressive basketball skills, is the most talented player in the draft. Abueva leads the NCAA in points, rebounds and assists directory. While in the second round, the Aces snatched former UE Warrior point guard Raphy Reyes and swingman Karl Dehesa. |
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====2015–16 season: Drive for 15th continues==== |
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Alaska also retained head coach [[Luigi Trillo]] and hired [[Alex Compton]], [[Louie Alas]] and reinstated [[Topex Robinson]] as assistant coaches. [[Leo Austria]] is supposedly to join the Aces' coaching staff as well but focused first with his head coaching job at [[Adamson]] University, making him available for next year. Dickie Bachmann was promoted to assistant manager while [[Jojo Lastimosa]] was tasked to man the sports camp director post. |
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[[File:PBA - Alaska vs TNT - Alaska bench - 2016-0417 (26212190100).jpg|Alex Compton and the Aces during a timeout.|thumb|right]] |
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The Aces drafted Letran standout [[Kevin Racal]] with the 11th pick in the rookie draft, as well as big man Marion Magat and crafty guard Abel Galliguez. During the offseason, Alaska allowed [[Calvin Abueva]], [[Sonny Thoss]], [[Dondon Hontiveros]] and Coach Alex Compton join the Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 national team, who won silver medals in both the [[2015 William Jones Cup]] and [[2015 FIBA Asia Championship]]. |
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Two weeks after the draft, Alaska made another blockbuster deal that sent 2011 top overall pick [[JV Casio]] and a Ginebra 2015 pick to the Aces, [[LA Tenorio]] to Ginebra, and Willie Miller plus a Ginebra 2014 first round pick to Global Port, formerly Powerade. |
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On November 12, 2015, The PBA franchise celebrated their 30th anniversary with the recognition night for the 30 greatest players in the team's history held in the Enderun College, Taguig.<ref name="Spin 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/alaska-honors-30-greatest-players-to-celebrate-30th-year-in-pba|title=Alaska honors '30 greatest players' in franchise history to celebrate 30th year in PBA|publisher=Spin.ph|last=Fernandez|first=Rhoel|date=November 12, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030400/http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/alaska-honors-30-greatest-players-to-celebrate-30th-year-in-pba|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Ginebra first acquired Miller from Barako Bull in exchange for bruiser [[Enrico Villanueva]] and then arranged a deal to send Miller and its 2014 first round pick to Global Port for the rights to Casio. |
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Alaska was consistent all throughout the All-Filipino eliminations, thanks to their intact lineup, team play and suffocating defense, they won nine out of their eleven outings. The Aces earned the number one spot in the standings, hence, giving them an outright semifinals berth. Alaska faced the [[GlobalPort Batang Pier]] in the semi-finals. After losing the first game, the Aces won their next four outings to clinch the first seat in the 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals and set up last year's finals rematch against the [[San Miguel Beermen]]. |
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In a separate deal, the Aces also nabbed sharp shooter [[Dondon Hontiveros]] from Petron in exchange for wing man Wesley Gonzales and seldom-used Hans Thiele. Alaska also signed second round draft pick Raphy Reyes to boost their back court and brought back veterans [[Nic Belasco]] and [[Eddie Laure]], who helped the Aces win the championship last 2007. |
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The Aces won the 1st 3 games of the series and was on the verge of winning the championship after leading by 11 points with less than 4 minutes remaining in the pivotal Game 4. However, the Aces would be denied to win the championship blowing a 3–0 lead by the combined efforts of former Aces player, Gabby Espinas, sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter and defensive stalwart, Chris Ross. Alaska suffered the most disappointing finals ever when the Beermen took the last four games and win the championship. |
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Alaska is expected to sign Calvin Abueva, who is still playing in the NCAA, which has a rule prohibiting players to sign a contract in a professional team while still playing for their respective schools on October when the NCAA basketball season ends. |
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Alaska once again tapped former Best Import [[Robert Dozier]] for the Commissioner's Cup. However, Dozier got injured before the start of the season during practice. With their import sidelined by [[plantar fasciitis]], backup reinforcement Shane Edwards filled in and provided good numbers and led the Aces to five wins in eight outings. Dozier returned three games before the end of the eliminations and the Aces finished third in the standings to qualify for the playoffs. Alaska beat [[Tropang TNT]] in the quarterfinals in a do-or-die best of three series. The Aces will look for a third consecutive PBA Finals trip as they face the [[Meralco Bolts]] in the semifinals. The Aces bested the Bolts in 5 grueling games to face the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] in the Finals. Alaska, hampered by injuries, missed the services of key players JVee Casio and Vic Manuel during the championship series. Despite being down by 0–3 in the finals, Alaska managed to forced the series in six games before losing their third consecutive finals. |
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The Aces tapped [[LaDontae Henton]] as their reinforcement for the Governor's Cup. Vic Manuel and JVee Casio returns for Alaska after healing off injuries. On July 14, 2016, after a six-year tenure with Alaska,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/basketball/news/detail/item416439/alaska-trades-cyrus-baguio-phoenix/ |title=Alaska trades Cyrus Baguio to Phoenix - FOX SPORTS |access-date=July 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917203452/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/basketball/news/detail/item416439/alaska-trades-cyrus-baguio-phoenix/ |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>[[Cyrus Baguio]] was traded to the [[Phoenix Fuel Masters]] for two second round picks. The Aces decided to trade Baguio due to the emergence of rookie Kevin Racal. |
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Alaska struggled at the start of the season winning only two matches in five outings even losing to an import-less team San Miguel but went on to a four-game winning streak. The team treated their final outings in the eliminations as "knock out games". On September 16, 2016, Banchero, again, extended his tenure with the Aces. This time, to a longer three-year deal. Terms were not disclosed. The Fil-Italian cager stated that it was an "easy decision" stating "he is very happy with Alaska."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/chris-banchero-professes-love-for-alaska-agrees-to-a-new-three-year-deal-with-franchise- |title=Chris Banchero says signing new three-year deal with Alaska an easy decision |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917163758/http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/chris-banchero-professes-love-for-alaska-agrees-to-a-new-three-year-deal-with-franchise- |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> He credited the coaching staff and his teammates as the main reason he stayed with the team and hopes he will finish his career with Alaska. The Aces scored an important win in their last game of the eliminations in the season-ending conference to clinch the number six spot by beating the NLEX Road Warriors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/alaska-leaves-nothing-to-chance-dumps-nlex-to-clinch-quarterfinal-berth |title=Alaska leaves nothing to chance, dumps NLEX to clinch quarterfinal berth |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917165305/http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/alaska-leaves-nothing-to-chance-dumps-nlex-to-clinch-quarterfinal-berth |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Vic Manuel came back from his injury and contributed immediately and faced crowd darling Barangay Ginebra in the playoffs. However, the Aces failed to force a do-or-die game to advance in the semi-finals. |
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Alaska drafted former [[Far Eastern University|FEU]] bruiser and current [[Gilas Pilipinas]] pool member Carl Bryan Cruz during the 2016 PBA Special Draft. They started the 2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup with key players Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva and Noy Baclao in the injured list forcing Cruz, sophomore stretch player Jaypee Mendoza and Marion Magat playing at the center slot. Due to lack of size, the Aces lost their first two games and initiated a deal to send swing man Rome dela Rosa to Star Hotshots in exchange for former [[San Beda]] teammate big man Jake Pascual. Pascual immediately contributed to the team with his scrappy plays and defense and with Abueva and Manuel returning to top form, Alaska won its next three games. Despite finishing second in the standings and gaining a twice-to-beat advantage, the Aces, hampered by injuries, failed to enter the semi-finals when they lost two in a row to Barangay Ginebra. |
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====2016–17 season==== |
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In 2016–17, a week after their Philippine Cup campaign, Alaska traded back up point guard [[RJ Jazul]] to the [[Phoenix Fuel Masters]] in exchange for guard [[Simon Enciso]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/rz-jazul-trade-simon-enciso-pba-alaska-trade-phoenix|title=Alaska Aces send RJ Jazul to Phoenix Fuel Masters for Simon Enciso|first=Gerry|last=Ramos|date=February 18, 2017|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306210738/http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/rz-jazul-trade-simon-enciso-pba-alaska-trade-phoenix|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====2017–18 season==== |
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In the Governor's Cup that year, they went up to the Finals, but lost to [[Magnolia Hotshots]]. |
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====2021 season: final season==== |
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On February 16, 2022, Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announced that the Alaska Aces will leave the PBA at the end of the [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup|2021 Governors' Cup]]. This was due to a directive by [[FrieslandCampina]], parent company of AMC.<ref name="end">{{cite news |last1=Catacutan |first1=Dodo |title= Alaska to bid the PBA goodbye at the end of the conference |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/alaska-to-bid-the-pba-goodbye-at-the-end-of-the-conference-a791-20220216 |access-date=February 16, 2022 |website=spin.ph |date=February 16, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Alaska ended their last tournament with a loss to the [[NLEX Road Warriors]] in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Micaller |first1=Bea |title=NLEX ends road for Alaska, arranges semis showdown vs Ginebra |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/825622/nlex-ends-road-for-alaska-arranges-semis-showdown-vs-ginebra/story/ |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=GMA News |date=19 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Immediately following their last game on March 19, 2022, a brief ceremony was held to mark the Alaska's departure from the PBA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=Matthew |title=PBA presses final buzzer on Alaska |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-presses-final-buzzer-on-alaska/234496 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Tiebreaker Times |date=19 March 2022}}</ref> |
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==Franchise's sale to Converge ICT== |
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{{See also|Converge FiberXers}} |
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Several companies expressed interest to buy the Aces' franchise.<ref name=dugout-five-companies>{{cite news |title=Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial |url=https://www.dugout.ph/2022/02/five-companies-look-to-buy-alaska.html |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Dugout Philippines |date=18 March 2022}}</ref> This included Universal Canning, Inc.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Joble |first1=Rey |title=Alaska is for sale but are there any takers? |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/19/sports/alaska-is-for-sale-but-are-there-any-takers/1833454 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=The Manila Times |date=19 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> and [[Converge ICT]] which is associated to businessman [[Dennis Anthony Uy]] (not to be confused and also not related with namesake [[Dennis Uy]] who owned the [[Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Co |first1=Chris |title=Dennis A. Uy bibilhin ang Alaska franchise? |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/palaro/2022/03/13/2166930/dennis-uy-bibilhin-ang-alaska-franchise |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Pilipino Star Ngayon |publisher=The Philippine Star |date=13 March 2022 |language=fil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramos |first1=Gerry |title=Converge CEO Dennis Uy emerges as frontrunner in sale of Alaska's PBA franchise |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/converge-ceo-dennis-uy-emerges-as-frontrunner-to-acquire-alaska-franchise-a793-20220311 |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=11 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> |
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On March 23, 2022, the PBA announced the sale of the franchise to Converge ICT lock, stock and barrel with unanimous approval by the leagues' Board of Governors. |
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Converge retained the core of the Alaska Aces team (including the coaching staff) as part of the sale of the franchise within the ongoing season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dioquino |first1=Delfin |title=Converge determined as bar set high for FiberXers in PBA foray |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/converge-determined-bar-set-high-fiberxers-foray/ |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=Rappler Philippines |date=5 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> |
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In the event the franchise was not sold within the ongoing season, the PBA would have placed the players in a [[dispersal draft]].<ref name=dugout-five-companies/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |title=Cariaso hopes Alaska core kept as company in 'deep talks' to buy franchise |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/cariaso-hopes-a-company-will-buy-alaska-franchise-to-keep-players-intact-a795-20220319 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=19 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Mascot== |
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[[File:PBA Alaska Aces E-Cow.png|100px|thumb|right|E. Cow doing a shootaround during the halftime break of the Aces' game against Barangay Ginebra.]] |
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E. Cow was the main mascot of the Alaska Aces.<ref>{{ cite news |title=Holy Cow: Alaska mascot hoping to join bonus trip to Disney to meet idol Mickey |url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/holy-cow-man-behind-alaska-mascot-a-genuine-hoops-fan-with-spot-spot-for-kids |work=Spin.ph |date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710092554/http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/holy-cow-man-behind-alaska-mascot-a-genuine-hoops-fan-with-spot-spot-for-kids |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was first introduced during the mid-1990s and was the longest tenured PBA mascot. His image was also used for Alaska Milk advertisements. |
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==Final roster== |
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{{PBA roster header |
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| team= Alaska Aces |
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}} |
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<!-- begin player list --> |
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{{player2 | num = 0 | first = RK | last = Ilagan | pos = G | ft = 5 | in = 7 | lbs = 150 | DOB = 1997–04–03 | college = San Sebastian | nat = PHI | note = R }} |
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{{player2 | num = 1 | first = Robbie | last = Herndon | pos = GF | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 180 | DOB = 1993–07–16 | college = San Francisco State | nat = USA }} |
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{{player2 | num = 2 | first = Abu | last = Tratter | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 5 | lbs = 215 | DOB = 1993–01–09 | college = De La Salle | nat = PHI }} |
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{{player2 | num = 3 | first = Michael | last = DiGregorio | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 1 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1991–12–12 | college = McKendree | nat = USA }} |
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{{player2 | num = 5 | first = Taylor | last = Browne | pos = GF | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1997–01–30 | college = UBC | nat = CAN | note = R }} |
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{{player2 | num = 12 | first = Alec | last = Stockton | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 170 | DOB = 1998–06–24 | college = FEU | nat = USA | note = R }} |
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{{player2 | num = 13 | first = Maverick | last = Ahanmisi | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1991–07–17 | college = Minnesota | nat = USA }} |
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{{player2 | num = 18 | first = Ben | last = Adamos | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 7 | lbs = 200 | DOB = 1995–12–30 | college = UPHSD | nat = PHI | note = R }} |
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{{player2 | num = 19 | first = Jaycee | last = Marcelino | pos = G | ft = 5 | in = 9 | lbs = | DOB = 1995–10–19 | college = LPU | nat = PHI }} |
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{{player2 | num = 21 | first = Jeron | last = Teng | pos = GF | ft = 6 | in = 2 | lbs = 185 | DOB = 1994–03–21 | college = De La Salle | nat = PHI | note = C }} |
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{{player2 | num = 24 | first = Mike | last = Tolomia | pos = G | ft = 5 | in = 11 | lbs = 170 | DOB = 1993–01–06 | college = FEU | nat = PHI }} |
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{{player2 | num = 28 | first = Allyn | last = Bulanadi | pos = G | ft = 6 | in = 0 | lbs = | DOB = 1997–04–28 | college = San Sebastian | nat = PHI | note = R }} |
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{{player2 | num = 31 | first = Rey | last = Publico | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 4 | lbs = | DOB = 1992–11–29 | college = Letran | nat = PHI }} |
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{{player2 | num = 55 | first = Yousef | last = Taha | pos = C | ft = 6 | in = 8 | lbs = 231 | DOB = 1988–07–08 | college = Mapúa | nat = PLE }} |
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{{player2 | num = 61 | first = Kevin | last = Racal | pos = F | ft = 6 | in = 3 | lbs = 175 | DOB = 1991–05–16 | college = Letran | nat = PHI }} |
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{{player2 | num = 96 | first = Bryan | last = Faundo | pos = CF | ft = 6 | in = 6 | lbs = 225 | DOB = 1984–02–18 | college = Letran | nat = PHI }} |
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<!-- end player list --> |
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{{PBA roster footer |
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| head_coach = |
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*{{player||USA|[[Jeffrey Cariaso]]}} |
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| asst_coach = |
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*{{player||PHI|[[Joe Silva]]}} (1st assistant) |
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*{{player||PHI|[[Danny Ildefonso]]}} |
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*{{player||PHI|[[Franco Atienza]]}} |
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*{{player||PHI|[[Monch Gavieres]]}} |
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|team_man = |
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*{{player||PHI|[[Dickie Bachmann]]}}{{ref label|Note1|a|a}} |
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| roster_url = https://pba.ph/teams/alaska-aces |
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}} |
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* {{note label|Note1|a|a}} also serves as Alaska's board governor. |
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==Season-by-season records== |
==Season-by-season records== |
||
{{main|List of Alaska Aces (PBA) seasons}} |
{{main article|List of Alaska Aces (PBA) seasons}} |
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:''Records from the [[ |
:''Records from the [[2021 PBA season]]:'' |
||
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" |
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! |
! style="width:60px;" rowspan="2"|[[List of PBA conferences|Conf.]] !! style="width:80px;" rowspan="2"|Team name !!colspan=4| Elimination round !!colspan=2| Playoffs |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!width=50px|Finish !!width=30px|W !!width=30px|L !!width=40px|PCT !! |
!width=50px|Finish !!width=30px|W !!width=30px|L !!width=40px|PCT !! style="width:100px;"|Stage !! style="width:240px;"|Results |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[2021 PBA Philippine Cup|PHI]] ||rowspan=2 style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | '''Alaska Aces''' || 11th/12 || 3 || 8 || {{Winning percentage|3|8}} || colspan=2| Did not qualify |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[2021 PBA Governors' Cup|GOV]] || 7th/12 || 6 || 5 || {{Winning percentage|6|5}} || Quarterfinals || NLEX** def. Alaska in 2 games |
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|- |
|- |
||
| |
!colspan=3|Total elimination round !! 9 || 13 || {{Winning percentage|9|13}} !!colspan=2| 0 Semifinals appearance |
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|- |
|- |
||
!colspan=3|Total |
!colspan=3|Total playoffs !! 1 !! 1 !! {{Winning percentage|1|1}} !!colspan=2| 0 Finals appearance |
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|- |
|- |
||
!colspan=3|Total |
!colspan=3|Total 2021 !! 10 !! 14 !! {{Winning percentage|10|14}}!!colspan=2| 0 Championships |
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|- |
|- |
||
!colspan=3|Total |
!colspan=3|Total franchise !! 997 !! 831 !! {{Winning percentage|997|831}} !!colspan=2| 14 Championships |
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|- |
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!colspan=3|Total franchise !! 790 !! 650 !! .549 !!colspan=2|13 championships |
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|}*one-game playoffs<br>**team had the twice-to-beat advantage |
|}*one-game playoffs<br>**team had the twice-to-beat advantage |
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== |
==Awards== |
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{{Alaska Aces roster}} |
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=== |
===Individual awards=== |
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{| class=wikitable |
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{{Basketball depth chart |
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|- |
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|line_color = {{PBA color|Alaska Aces|1}} |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Most Valuable Player |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Finals MVP |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Best Player of the Conference |
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|starter_c = Sonny Thoss |
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|- |
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|starter_pf = Gabby Espinas |
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| valign="top" | |
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|starter_sf = Calvin Abueva |
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* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] - 1996 |
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|starter_sg = Cyrus Baguio |
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* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] - 1998 |
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|starter_pg = JV Casio |
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* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2006-07 |
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|bench 1_c = Samigue Eman |
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| valign="top" | |
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|bench 1_pf = Aldrech Ramos |
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* [[Jojo Lastimosa]] - 1996 All-Filipino |
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|bench 1_sf = Tony dela Cruz |
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* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1996 Commissioner's |
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|bench 1_sg = Dondon Hontiveros |
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* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] - 1996 Governors', 1997 Governors' |
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|bench 1_pg = Raphy Reyes |
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* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] - 1998 All-Filipino, 1998 Commissioner's |
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|bench 2_c = Nic Belasco |
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* [[Poch Juinio]] - 2000 All-Filipino |
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|bench 2_pf = Eddie Laure |
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* [[Brandon Cablay]] - 2003 Invitational |
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|bench 2_sf = |
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* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2006-07 Fiesta |
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|bench 2_sg = |
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* [[LA Tenorio]] & [[Cyrus Baguio]] - 2009-10 Fiesta |
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|bench 2_pg = RJ Jazul |
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* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2012-13 Commissioner's |
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|bench 3_c = |
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| valign="top" | |
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|bench 3_pf = Paolo Bugia |
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* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1996 Commissioner's |
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|bench 3_sf = Niño Gelig |
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* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] - 1997 Commissioner's |
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|bench 3_sg = Benedict Fernandez |
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* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] - 1998 Commissioner's, 2000 All-Filipino |
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|bench 3_pg = Brandon Cablay |
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* [[Ali Peek]] - 2003 Invitational |
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}} |
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* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2008-09 Philippine |
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* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2015-16 Commissioner's |
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|- |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Rookie of the Year Award |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA All-Defensive Team |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical First Team |
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|- |
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| valign="top" | |
|||
* Eugene Quilban - 1991 |
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* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] - 1995 |
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* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2012-13 |
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| valign="top" | |
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* [[Ricky Relosa]] - 1986-1988 |
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* [[Elpidio Villamin]] - 1987-1990 |
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* [[Biboy Ravanes]] - 1988, 1991 |
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* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] - 1994, 1996–1997, 1999 |
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* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1994 |
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* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] - 1996-1997 |
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* [[Nic Belasco]] - 2005-06 |
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* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2012-13 |
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* [[Chris Exciminiano]] - 2014-16 |
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* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2014-15 |
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| valign="top" | |
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* [[Elpidio Villamin]] - 1987 |
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* [[Paul Alvarez]] - 1990 |
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* [[Jojo Lastimosa]] - 1991, 1996, 1998 |
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* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] - 1994-1999 |
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* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1995-1996 |
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* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] - 1998, 2000 |
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* [[Ali Peek]] - 2001 |
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* [[Don Allado]] - 2002 |
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* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2006-07 |
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* [[LA Tenorio]] - 2009-10 |
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* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2009-11 |
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* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2012–13, 2015–16 |
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|- |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical Second Team |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Most Improved Player |
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! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Sportsmanship Award |
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|- |
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| valign="top" | |
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* [[Ricky Relosa]] - 1987 |
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* [[Elpidio Villamin]] - 1988, 1990 |
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* [[Paul Alvarez]] - 1989 |
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* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1994, 2000 |
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* [[Jojo Lastimosa]] - 1995, 1999 |
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* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] - 1996 |
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* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] - 1999, 2001 |
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* [[John Arigo]] - 2003 |
|||
* [[Don Allado]] - 2003 |
|||
* [[Mike Cortez]] - 2005-06 |
|||
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2007-09 |
|||
* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2007–08, 2011–14 |
|||
* [[Joe Devance]] - 2009-10 |
|||
* [[Cyrus Baguio]] - 2012-13 |
|||
* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2014-15 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Ricky Relosa]] - 1986 |
|||
* [[Elpidio Villamin]] - 1987 |
|||
* [[Bong Hawkins]] - 1994 |
|||
* [[Poch Juinio]] - 1996 |
|||
* Rob Duat - 2002 |
|||
* [[LA Tenorio]] - 2009-10 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Tony Dela Cruz]] - 2005-06 |
|||
* [[Cyrus Baguio]] - 2009-10 |
|||
* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2010-11 |
|||
* [[JVee Casio]] - 2011-13 |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | PBA Best Import |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | |
|||
|- |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Sean Chambers]] - 1996 Governors' |
|||
* [[Devin Davis (basketball, born 1974)|Devin Davis]] - 1998 Commissioner's |
|||
* [[Rosell Ellis]] - 2006-07 Fiesta |
|||
* [[Robert Dozier]] - 2012-13 Commissioner's |
|||
* [[Romeo Travis]] - 2014-15 Governors' |
|||
* [[Mike Harris (basketball)|Mike Harris]] - 2017-18 Governors' |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
==Players of note== |
|||
|} |
|||
===PBA's 25th anniversary all-time team=== |
|||
*[[Johnny Abarrientos]] – "The Flying A" played for team from 1993–2000; led Alaska to numerous PBA title and was the 1996 PBA Most Valuable Player |
|||
===PBA Press Corps Individual Awards=== |
|||
{| class=wikitable |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Executive of the Year |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Defensive Player of the Year |
|||
|- |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Wilfred Uytengsu]] - 1998, 2009–10 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Tim Cone]] - 1994, 1996 |
|||
* [[Luigi Trillo]] - 2012-13 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Mr. Quality Minutes |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | All-Rookie Team |
|||
|- |
|||
| |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* Merwin Castelo - 1994 |
|||
* Jun Reyes - 1996 |
|||
* [[Rodney Santos]] - 1998-1999 |
|||
* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2014-15 |
|||
* [[Vic Manuel]] - 2017-18 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Sonny Thoss]] - 2004-05 |
|||
* [[Calvin Abueva]] - 2012-13 |
|||
* [[Chris Banchero]] - 2014-15 |
|||
* [[Jeron Teng]] - 2017-18 |
|||
* [[Abu Tratter]] - 2019 |
|||
* [[Barkley Eboña]] - 2020 |
|||
|} |
|||
===All-Star Weekend=== |
|||
{| class=wikitable |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | All Star MVP |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Obstacle Challenge |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Three-point Shootout |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | Slam Dunk Contest |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | All-Star Selection |
|||
|- |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Elmer Cabahug]] - 1989 |
|||
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2007 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Rodney Santos]] - 1999 |
|||
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2007-2008 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* Rhoel Gomez- 1997 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
* [[Brandon Cablay]] - 2003 |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
'''1989''' |
|||
* [[Paul Alvarez]] |
|||
* [[Elmer Cabahug]] |
|||
* [[Elpidio Villamin]] |
|||
'''1990''' |
|||
* Paul Alvarez |
|||
* Elmer Cabahug |
|||
* [[Ric-Ric Marata]] |
|||
'''1991''' |
|||
* [[Jojo Lastimosa]] |
|||
'''1992''' |
|||
* Paul Alvarez |
|||
* Jojo Lastimosa |
|||
'''1993''' |
|||
* Bobby Jose |
|||
* Jojo Lastimosa |
|||
'''1994''' |
|||
* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] |
|||
* [[Bong Hawkins]] |
|||
* Jojo Lastimosa |
|||
'''1995''' |
|||
* Johnny Abarrientos |
|||
* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] |
|||
* Bong Hawkins |
|||
'''1996''' |
|||
* Johnny Abarrientos |
|||
* Jeffrey Cariaso |
|||
* Bong Hawkins |
|||
* Jojo Lastimosa |
|||
'''1997''' |
|||
* Johnny Abarrientos |
|||
'''1998''' |
|||
* [[Devin Davis (basketball, born 1974)|Devin Davis]] (import) |
|||
'''1999''' |
|||
* Johnny Abarrientos |
|||
'''2000''' |
|||
* Johnny Abarrientos |
|||
* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] |
|||
* Bong Hawkins |
|||
* [[Rodney Santos]] |
|||
'''2001''' |
|||
* [[Don Allado]] |
|||
* [[John Arigo]] |
|||
* Kenneth Duremdes |
|||
* [[Ali Peek]] |
|||
'''2003''' |
|||
* Don Allado |
|||
* John Arigo |
|||
* [[Mike Cortez]] |
|||
'''2004''' |
|||
* Ali Peek |
|||
* [[Sonny Thoss]] |
|||
'''2005''' |
|||
* [[Rich Alvarez]] |
|||
* Jeffrey Cariaso |
|||
* [[Tony dela Cruz]] |
|||
* [[Reynel Hugnatan]] |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2006''' |
|||
* [[Nic Belasco]] |
|||
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] |
|||
* Reynel Hugnatan |
|||
'''2007''' |
|||
* Tony dela Cruz |
|||
* Willie Miller |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2008''' |
|||
* [[John Ferriols]] |
|||
* Reynel Hugnatan |
|||
* Willie Miller |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2009''' |
|||
* [[Rosell Ellis]] (import) |
|||
* John Ferriols |
|||
* Reynel Hugnatan |
|||
* Willie Miller |
|||
* [[LA Tenorio]] |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2010''' |
|||
* [[Cyrus Baguio]] |
|||
* [[Joe Devance]] |
|||
* Reynel Hugnatan |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2011''' |
|||
* Cyrus Baguio |
|||
* Joe Devance |
|||
* LA Tenorio |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2012''' |
|||
* [[Mac Baracael]] |
|||
* LA Tenorio |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2013''' |
|||
* [[Calvin Abueva]] |
|||
* Cyrus Baguio |
|||
* [[JVee Casio]] |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2014''' |
|||
* Calvin Abueva |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2015''' |
|||
* Calvin Abueva |
|||
* Cyrus Baguio |
|||
* [[Dondon Hontiveros]] |
|||
'''2016''' |
|||
* Calvin Abueva |
|||
'''2017''' |
|||
* Calvin Abueva |
|||
* [[Carl Bryan Cruz]] |
|||
* Dondon Hontiveros |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2018''' |
|||
* Calvin Abueva |
|||
* Carl Bryan Cruz (did not play) |
|||
* Sonny Thoss |
|||
'''2019''' |
|||
* [[Chris Banchero]] |
|||
|} |
|||
==Notable players== |
|||
{{main|Alaska Aces (PBA) all-time roster}} |
|||
===Members of the PBA's 25 greatest players=== |
|||
*[[Johnny Abarrientos]] – "The Flying A" played for team from 1993 to 2000; led Alaska to numerous PBA titles and was the 1996 PBA Most Valuable Player |
|||
*[[Bogs Adornado]] – played for Hills Bros. in the 1987 season; became the team's head coach after his retirement |
*[[Bogs Adornado]] – played for Hills Bros. in the 1987 season; became the team's head coach after his retirement |
||
*[[Kenneth Duremdes]] – "Captain Marbel" played for the team from |
*[[Kenneth Duremdes]] – "Captain Marbel" played for the team from 1998 to 2003; led Alaska to four PBA titles and was the 1998 PBA Most Valuable Player |
||
*[[Abet Guidaben]] – played for the team from |
*[[Abet Guidaben]] – played for the team from 1989 to 1990 before being traded to Pepsi for Harmon Codiñera. |
||
*[[Jojo Lastimosa]] – "The 4th Quarter Man" led Alaska to nine PBA titles and was named to numerous Mythical Team selections |
*[[Jojo Lastimosa]] – "The 4th Quarter Man" "Mr.Clutch" "The Helicopter" led Alaska to nine PBA titles and was named to numerous Mythical Team selections,10-time PBA All-Star,1988 PBA Rookie of the Year and 1996 PBA All Filipino Cup Finals MVP. |
||
===Alaska Aces 30 greatest players=== |
|||
On November 12, 2015, the Alaska Aces celebrated its 30th anniversary.<ref name="Spin 1"/> |
|||
{{div col|colwidth=14em}} |
|||
=== MVP awardee when still with the team=== |
|||
*Johnny Abarrientos |
* [[Johnny Abarrientos]] |
||
* [[Calvin Abueva]] |
|||
*Kenneth Duremdes - 1998 |
|||
* [[Paul Alvarez]] |
|||
*Willie Miller - 2007 |
|||
* [[Cyrus Baguio]] |
|||
* [[Elmer Cabahug|Boy Cabahug]] |
|||
* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] |
|||
* [[JV Casio]] |
|||
* [[Sean Chambers]] |
|||
* [[Mike Cortez]] |
|||
* Devin Davis |
|||
* [[Tony Dela Cruz]] |
|||
* [[Robert Dozier]] |
|||
* [[Kenneth Duremdes]] |
|||
* [[Rosell Ellis]] |
|||
* [[Bong Hawkins]] |
|||
* [[Dondon Hontiveros]] |
|||
* [[Reynel Hugnatan]] |
|||
* [[Poch Juinio]] |
|||
* [[Jojo Lastimosa]] |
|||
* Rey Lazaro |
|||
* [[Ric-Ric Marata]] |
|||
* [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] |
|||
* Willie Pearson |
|||
* [[Ali Peek]] |
|||
* Eugene Quilban |
|||
* [[Biboy Ravanes]] |
|||
* [[Rodney Santos]] |
|||
* [[Diamon Simpson]] |
|||
* [[LA Tenorio]] |
|||
* [[Sonny Thoss]] |
|||
* [[Elpidio Villamin|Yoyoy Villamin]] |
|||
{{div col end}} |
|||
=== |
===MVP awardee while still with the team=== |
||
*Johnny Abarrientos – 1996 |
|||
*Eugene Quilban - 1991 |
|||
*Kenneth Duremdes – 1998 |
|||
*Jeffrey Cariaso - 1995 |
|||
*Willie Miller – 2007 |
|||
=== |
===ROY awardee while still with the team=== |
||
*Eugene Quilban – 1991 |
|||
*[[Aaron Aban]] |
|||
*Jeffrey Cariaso – 1995 |
|||
*Teddy Alfarero – one of the best centers of his time during his amateur days. |
|||
*Calvin Abueva – 2013 |
|||
*Alejo "Pongky" Alolor |
|||
*Willie Pearson – 1984 Rookie of the year. |
|||
*Rey Lazaro |
|||
*Cresencio "Dondon" Ampalayo – he was most popular during his days with Ginebra. |
|||
*Peter Aguilar |
|||
*Dino Aldeguer |
|||
*[[Don Allado]] – played for Alaska from 1999–2006; member of the 2000 All-Filipino and 2003 Invitational tournament championship teams |
|||
*[[Eric Altamirano]] |
|||
*Bong Alvarez – "Mr. Excitement" scored a then-PBA record 71 points for Alaska |
|||
*[[Rich Alvarez|Richard Alvarez]] – 2004-2005 rookie of the year, played for Alaska from 2006–2007 |
|||
*Josel Angeles |
|||
*Alex Araneta – the #1 draft pick in 1991. |
|||
*[[John Arigo]] – played for Alaska from 2001–2005; member of the 2003 Invitational tournament championship team; PBA Mythical 1st Team (2003) |
|||
*Dicky Bachmann - played for Alaska and is the current assistant coach of the team |
|||
*Rensy Bajar – member of 2006–2007 Fiesta Conference Champions |
|||
*[[Nic Belasco]] - member of 2006–2007 Fiesta Conference Champions |
|||
*Cris Bolado – played for Alaska during its title runs in the 1990s; most notably known as being the team's 12th man; known for his nine straight finals appearance with multiple teams, including the Milkmen |
|||
*[[Ken Bono]] – 2006 UAAP Most Valuable Player |
|||
*[[Mark Borboran]] |
|||
*Mike Burtcher - 2009 5th overall pick |
|||
*[[Boy Cabahug]] – the 1989 PBA All Star MVP and current head coach of University of Visayas |
|||
*[[Junjun Cabatu]] |
|||
*Celedon Camaso |
|||
*Ronnie Cahanding |
|||
*Johnedel Cardel |
|||
*Merwin Castello – member of the 1996 Alaska Championship team |
|||
*Alvin Castro – member of the 2003 Invitational Champions and the 2006–2007 Fiesta Conference Champions |
|||
*Ed Cordero |
|||
*Elmer Espiritu - 2010 3rd overall pick |
|||
*Harmon Codiñiera |
|||
*Tim Coloso |
|||
*[[Mike Cortez]] – 2003 1st overall pick, member of the 2003 Invitational Cup and 2007 Fiesta Conference Champions, PBA Mythical 2nd team (2004, 2007) |
|||
*[[Kelvin dela Peña]] |
|||
*[[Joe Devance]] - 2008 #1 draft pick ; |
|||
*Rudy Distrito – "The Destroyer" was member of the 1986 Alaska team that played its first season in the league |
|||
*Robert Duat – PBA Defensive 1st Team |
|||
*Brixter Encarnacion |
|||
*Kenny Evans |
|||
*[[Boyet Fernandez]] - current assistant coach of [[Meralco Bolts]] |
|||
*[[John Ferriols]] |
|||
*[[Larry Fonacier]] |
|||
*Bryan Gahol |
|||
*Nandy Garcia |
|||
*Roehl Gomez – played for Alaska during its title runs in the 1990s, most notably known for his three-point shooting; won a Three-Point Shooting Competition in the All-Star Games |
|||
*Nap Hatton |
|||
*[[Bong Hawkins]] – "The Hawk" member of 1996 Alaska Grandslam Team and current assistant coach to Alaska |
|||
*[[Reynel Hugnatan]] |
|||
*Rob Johnson |
|||
*Bobby Jose – "The Firecracker" |
|||
*[[Poch Juinio]] - formed the dreaded starting 5 that won the 1996 grand slam. |
|||
*Dwight Lago – played for 2 1/2 conferences before being traded along with Fernandez for Durremdes and Tanuan. |
|||
*[[Eddie Laure]] – member of 2007 Fiesta Conference Champions |
|||
*Rey Lazaro |
|||
*Braulio Lim |
|||
*[[Joey Loyzaga]] |
|||
*[[Christian Luanzon]] |
|||
*Pops Manaog |
|||
*Ric-Ric Marata † |
|||
*Todd Newton |
|||
*Miguel "Migs" Noble |
|||
*Jon Ordoño |
|||
*Michael Otto |
|||
*Stephen Padilla – former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) player, played for the Cebu Gems. A Cebu native who is known for his good shooting. He is currently playing in Liga Pilipinas |
|||
*Willie Pearson |
|||
*[[Ali Peek]] – the "Man-Mountain"; played for Alaska from 2001–2004; member of the 2003 Invitational tournament championship team and was named the Best Player of the Conference; PBA Mythical 1st Team (2003) |
|||
*Giovanni Pineda |
|||
*Dong Polistico – when the team drafted him in 1988, he was the tallest player in the PBA during the time standing at 6'7". This was later eclipsed in 1992 by the 6'9" Bonel Balingit. |
|||
*Bryant Punsalan |
|||
*Eugene Quilban – played his first season with the team in 1991 and lead Alaska to the Third Conference title |
|||
*[[J.R. Quiñahan]] |
|||
*Kevin Ramas – member of 1996 Alaska Grand Slam Team |
|||
*Biboy Ravanes – current assistant coach of the San Miguel Beermen |
|||
*Ricky Relosa – known as one-half of the famed Bruise Brothers tandem together with Yoyoy Villamin |
|||
*Jun Reyes – played backup point guard before joining the team's coaching staff |
|||
*Marte Saldana – played for Alaska in the team's 1986 squad |
|||
*Rodney Santos – played for Alaska from 1997–2002; member of four Alaska title teams |
|||
*[[Dale Singson]] – member of 2006–2007 Fiesta Conference Champions |
|||
*Stevenson Solomon |
|||
*Elvin Sotto |
|||
*Bernzon Franco |
|||
*[[Fritz Aquino]] - 2-time out |
|||
*Jack Tanuan |
|||
*Alvin Teng – "Robocop" |
|||
*[[Ritchie Ticzon]] |
|||
*Macky Torres |
|||
*Arnie Tuadles |
|||
*Yoyoy Villamin – "The Bicolano Superman" known as one-half of the famed Bruise Brothers tandem together with Ricky Relosa; almost won the 1987 PBA Most Valuable Player award. |
|||
*James Walkvist |
|||
*[[Willy Wilson]] |
|||
*[[Willie Miller]] - 2-time MVP |
|||
*[[LA Tenorio]] - 2012 Jones Cup MVP, 2010 Finals MVP |
|||
=== |
===Team captains=== |
||
*Frankie Lim (1986–1987) |
*[[Frankie Lim]] (1986–1987) |
||
*[[Bogs Adornado|William "Bogs" Adornado]] (1987–1988) |
*[[Bogs Adornado|William "Bogs" Adornado]] (1987–1988) |
||
*Yoyoy Villamin (1988–1991) |
*[[Yoyoy Villamin]] (1988–1991) |
||
*[[Jojo Lastimosa]] ( |
*[[Jojo Lastimosa]] (1991–1999) |
||
*[[Johnny Abarrientos]] (1993–2001) |
*[[Johnny Abarrientos]] (1993–2001) |
||
*[[Kenneth Duremdes]] (2001–2003) |
*[[Kenneth Duremdes]] (2001–2003) |
||
*[[John Arigo]] (2003–2004) |
*[[John Arigo]] (2003–2004) |
||
*[[Jeffrey Cariaso]] (2004–2010) |
*[[Jeffrey Cariaso]] (2004–2010) |
||
*[[Tony dela Cruz]] |
*[[Tony dela Cruz]] (2010–2016) |
||
*[[Dondon Hontiveros]] (2013–2016, co-captain with [[Tony Dela Cruz]]) |
|||
*[[Calvin Abueva]] (2016–2018, co-captain with [[JVee Casio]] and [[RJ Jazul]] before Jazul left the team in 2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.inquirer.net/235757/aces-boost-playoff-hopes-oust-floodbuster|title=Aces boost playoff hopes, oust Floodbuster|last=INQUIRER.net|date=January 22, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202014324/http://sports.inquirer.net/235757/aces-boost-playoff-hopes-oust-floodbuster|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
|||
===Imports=== |
|||
*[[RJ Jazul]] (2016–2017, was co-captain with [[JVee Casio]] and [[Calvin Abueva]]) |
|||
*Terrance Badgett – played for Alaska in the 2001 Commissioners Cup |
|||
*[[JVee Casio]] (2016–2021) |
|||
*[[Norman Black]] – played for Alaska in 1986 |
|||
*[[Jeron Teng]] (2021–2022) |
|||
*Willie Bland |
|||
*Dexter Boney – played 2 games after Sean Chambers' retirement. |
|||
*Odelle Bradley – played for Alaska in the 2005–2006 Fiesta Conference |
|||
*[[Marques Braggs]] – played for Alaska during the 1990s |
|||
*Monty Buckley – played for Alaska in the 1998 season |
|||
*[[Chris Carrawell]] – played for Alaska alongside Ajani Williams in the 2002 Commissioner's Cup. Led Alaska to a Third-place finish. Came back and played for Alaska once again for the 2003 Governor's cup |
|||
*[[Sean Chambers]] – led Alaska to numerous titles during his 10-plus year tenure with the team. Considered to be the best import who ever played for Alaska. His jersey No. 20 was retired by the team. |
|||
*Carlos Clark – played for Alaska alongside Sean Chambers in the 1990 Reinforced Conference. Led the team to a runner-up finish in the Finals. |
|||
*Winston Crite – "the Human Eraser" played for Alaska in 1992. |
|||
*Devin Davis – led Alaska to the 1998 Commissioners Cup title and was named as the Best Import of the Conference |
|||
*Leon Derricks – played a few games in the 2005 Fiesta Conference |
|||
*Jerry Eaves |
|||
* [[Rosell Ellis]] – led Alaska to the 2007 Fiesta Conference Title and was named as the Best Import of the Conference |
|||
*[[Isaac Fontaine]] |
|||
*Jason Forte - led Alaska to a Third-Place finish with the result of the quotient system |
|||
*Sylvester Gray – played for Alaska in the 1997 Commissioners Cup |
|||
*Derrick Hamilton – played for Alaska in the mid-90s |
|||
*James Head – played for Alaska in the 2002 season; led Alaska to a runner-up finish in the 2002 Governors Cup |
|||
*[[Randy Holcomb]] |
|||
*Kevin Holland – led Alaska to a runner-up finish in the 1997 Commissioners Cup |
|||
*Artemus McClary – played for Alaska in the 2005–06 Fiesta Conference |
|||
*[[Ron Riley (basketball, born 1973)|Ron Riley]] – played for Alaska in the 2001 and 2002 seasons; led Alaska to a runner-up finish in the 2002 Governors Cup |
|||
*Anthony Simms – played for Alaska in the 1990 Open Conference. The 3rd Canadian import to play in the league. |
|||
*[[Dickey Simpkins]] – played for Alaska in the 2005 Fiesta Conference |
|||
*Jose Slaughter – played for Alaska in the 1987 Reinforced Conference. Led the team to a runner-up finish in the Finals. |
|||
*Ajani Williams – played for Alaska alongside Chris Carawell in the 2002 Commissioner's Cup. Led Alaska to a Third-place finish |
|||
*[[Galen Young]] – played for Alaska in the 2004 and 2008 Fiesta Conference. |
|||
*[[Diamon Simpson]] - led the team for winning the 2010 fiesta conference title. |
|||
*LD Williams |
|||
*[[Adam Parada]] |
|||
===Retired numbers=== |
===Retired numbers=== |
||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |
||
| colspan="4" style= " |
| colspan="4" style= "{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | '''Alaska Aces retired numbers''' |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! |
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | N° |
||
! |
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Player |
||
! |
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Position |
||
! |
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Tenure |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''6''' || [[Jojo Lastimosa]] || [[Guard (basketball)|G]] || |
| '''6''' || [[Jojo Lastimosa]] || [[Guard (basketball)|G]] || 1991–2000 <br> 2002–2003{{ref label|Note1|a|a}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''' |
| '''7''' || [[Sonny Thoss]] || [[Center (basketball)|C]] || 2004–2019{{ref label|Note1|b|b}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''' |
| '''14''' || [[Johnny Abarrientos]] || [[Guard (basketball)|G]] || 1993–2001{{ref label|Note3|c|c}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''' |
| '''16''' || [[Bong Hawkins]] || [[Forward (basketball)|F]] || 1993–2000 <br> 2005–2006{{ref label|Note3|c|c}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''' |
| '''20''' || [[Sean Chambers]] || [[Forward (basketball)|F]] || 1990–2001{{ref label|Note4|d|d}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''' |
| '''22''' || [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] || [[Guard (basketball)|G]] || 1995–1997 <br> 2004–2010{{ref label|Note5|e|e}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''33''' || [[Bogs Adornado|William "Bogs" Adornado]] || [[Guard (basketball)|G]] || 1987–1988{{ref label|Note6|f|f}} |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |
|||
| colspan="4" style= "{{PBA color cell|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | '''Alaska Aces honored numbers''' |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" | N° |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Player |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Position |
|||
! style="{{PBA color cell2|Alaska Aces|border=2}}" |Tenure |
|||
|- |
|||
| '''30''' || [[Eric Menk]] || [[Center (basketball)|C]] || 2014 – 2016 {{ref label|Note7|g|g}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| '''35''' || [[Tony dela Cruz]] || [[Forward (basketball)|F]] || 2005 – 2017 {{ref label|Note|8|h|h}} |
|||
|} |
|||
* {{note label|Note1|a|a}} – retired during the opening of the 2003 season |
* {{note label|Note1|a|a}} – retired during the opening of the 2003 season |
||
* {{note label|Note2|b|b}} – retired during |
* {{note label|Note2|b|b}} – retired during halftime of the [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup]] |
||
* {{note label|Note3|c|c}} – retired |
* {{note label|Note3|c|c}} – retired during the Alaska 25th anniversary reunion last September 27, 2010 |
||
* {{note label|Note4|d|d}} – retired |
* {{note label|Note4|d|d}} – retired after Chambers announced his retirement in the 2001 Governor's Cup |
||
* {{note label|Note5|e|e}} – retired during the |
* {{note label|Note5|e|e}} – retired during the semifinals of the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference]] |
||
* {{note label|Note6|f|f}} – retired during the opening ceremonies of the [[1988 PBA season]] |
|||
* {{note label|Note7|g|g}} – honored during halftime of the [[2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup]] |
|||
* {{note label|Note8|h|h}} – honored during halftime of the [[2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup]] |
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==Coaches== |
==Coaches== |
||
Line 540: | Line 779: | ||
* [[Tim Cone]] (1989–2011) |
* [[Tim Cone]] (1989–2011) |
||
* [[Joel Banal]] (2011–2012) |
* [[Joel Banal]] (2011–2012) |
||
* [[Luigi Trillo]] ( |
* [[Luigi Trillo]] (2012–2014) |
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* [[Alex Compton]] (2014–2019) |
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* [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] (2019–2022) |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Line 546: | Line 787: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
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* |
*{{official website|http://www.alaskaaces.com.ph}} |
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*[http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86 MYPBA.com thread: Alaska Origins, History and Trivias] |
*[http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=86 MYPBA.com thread: Alaska Origins, History and Trivias] |
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{{s-start}} |
{{s-start}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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| before = (start) |
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| after = [[Converge Fiber Xers]] |
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| title = [[List of defunct Philippine Basketball Association teams|PBA teams genealogies]] |
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| years = 1986−2022 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{s-end}} |
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{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}} |
{{s-end}}{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods T.J. Hotdogs]] |
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|after = [[Pop Cola Panthers|Swift Mighty Meaties]] |
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|title = PBA Third Conference Champions |
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|years = 1991 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[San Miguel Beermen]] |
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|after = [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Formula Shell Zoom Masters]] |
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|title = [[PBA Governors Cup]] Champions |
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|years = 1994–1997 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[Pop Cola Panthers|Sunkist Orange Juicers]] <br> [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods Carne Norte Cowboys]] <br> [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Formula Shell Zoom Masters]] |
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|after = [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants|Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys]] <br> [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Shell Velocity]] <br> [[Petron Blaze Boosters|San Miguel Beermen]] |
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|title = [[PBA Philippine Cup|PBA All-Filipino Cup]] Champions |
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|years = [[1996 PBA season|1996]] <br> [[1998 PBA season|1998]] <br> [[2000 PBA season|2000]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[Pop Cola Panthers|Sunkist Orange Juicers]] <br> [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Gordon's Gin Boars]] <br> [[San Mig Coffee Mixers|B-Meg Llamados]] |
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|after = [[Barangay Ginebra Kings|Gordon's Gin Boars]] <br> [[Petron Blaze Boosters|San Miguel Beermen]] <br> [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] |
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|title = [[PBA Commissioner's Cup]] Champions |
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|years = [[1996 PBA season|1996]] <br> [[1998 PBA season|1998]] <br> [[2012-13 PBA season|2013]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[San Miguel Beermen]] (1989) |
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|after = [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] (2013–14) |
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after = To be determined | |
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|title = [[Grand Slam (PBA)|Grand Slam]] winners |
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|years = 1996 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[Great Taste Coffee Makers]] (1984) |
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|after = (last) |
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|title = PBA Invitational Conference Champions |
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|years = 2003 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{succession box |
{{succession box |
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|before = [[Red Bull Barako]] <br> [[Petron Blaze Boosters|San Miguel Beermen]] |
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|after = [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] <br> (last) |
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|title = [[PBA Fiesta Conference]] Champions |
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|years = [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|2007]] <br> [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|2010]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{s-end}} |
{{s-end}} |
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{{Alaska Aces}} |
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{| class="toccolours collapsible collapsed" width=100% align="center" |
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{{navboxes|title=Championship Navigation Boxes|titlestyle={{basketball primary style|Alaska Aces}}|list= |
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! style="background:#ccccff" align="center"| [[PBA Finals]] [[List of Philippine Basketball Association champions|Champions]] Navigation Boxes |
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| |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1991 PBA Third Conference Champions}} |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1991 PBA Third Conference Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1994 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1994 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1995 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions}} |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1996 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska |
{{Alaska Milkmen 1997 PBA Governors Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1998 PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 1998 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Milkmen 2000 PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Aces 2003 PBA Invitational Championship Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Aces 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}} |
{{Alaska Aces 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Aces 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}} |
{{Alaska Aces 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}} |
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{{Alaska Aces 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} |
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|} |
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}} |
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{{Alaska Aces current roster}} |
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{{ |
{{PBAdefunct}} |
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{{PBA}} |
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[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association teams]] |
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[[Category:Basketball clubs established in 1986]] |
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[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1986]] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Alaska Aces}} |
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[[Category:Alaska Aces (PBA)| ]] |
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[[Category:Basketball teams established in 1986]] |
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[[Category:1986 establishments in the Philippines]] |
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[[Category:2022 disestablishments in the Philippines]] |
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[[Category:Basketball teams disestablished in 2022]] |
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[[Category:Defunct Philippine Basketball Association teams]] |
Latest revision as of 12:37, 10 November 2024
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|
Alaska Aces | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Founded | 1986 | |||
Folded | Sold in 2022 | |||
History | Alaska Milkmen (1986, 1988–1989, 1991–2000) Hills Bros. Coffee Kings (1987) Alaska Air Force (1990) Alaska Aces (2001–2022) | |||
Team colors | Red, Black, White | |||
Company | Alaska Milk Corporation | |||
Team manager | Richard Bachman | |||
Head coach | Jeffrey Cariaso | |||
Ownership | Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. | |||
Championships | 14 championships
1991 Third Conference | |||
Retired numbers | 7 (6, 7, 14, 16, 20, 22, 33) | |||
Website | www | |||
|
The Alaska Aces were a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association since 1986 under the ownership of Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) and the owner of 14 PBA championships, tied with the Magnolia Hotshots for the third-most titles overall. They were one of the most popular teams in the league and the Philippines.
The Aces won nine PBA championships in the 1990s, including a rare grand slam (winning three championships in one season) during the 1996 season, joining the Crispa Redmanizers (1976, 1983), San Miguel Beermen (1989), and the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers (2013–14) as one of only four franchises to achieve the feat.
The Aces last tournament was the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup where they were eliminated by the NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinal round in March 2022. The franchise was bought by Converge ICT on March 23, 2022, to become the Converge FiberXers.[1]
History
[edit]1986: First season
[edit]After the temporary departure of the Magnolia franchise prior to the start of the 1986 PBA season, the league was reduced to only five teams. Alaska Milk was accepted as the league's sixth member. Being a pro league newcomer, the ballclub was allowed to choose players from the pool presented by the PBA. The team was headed by Filipino-American owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, team manager Joel Aquino and their coach was Tony Vasquez, who played for Ateneo de Manila during his playing days and as a coach, he piloted the Ateneo juniors to an NCAA championship and also once mentored the Blue Eagles.
Among the players they choose from the pool were Arnie Tuadles and Ricky Relosa from Ginebra, Rudy Distrito, Marte Saldaña and Noli Banate from Magnolia, Alejo Alolor, Teddy Alfarero and Frankie Lim from Great Taste, and Dennis Abbatuan from Shell. In the PBA draft, as the newest member of the league, they had the first crack and Alaska selected Rey Cuenco as the number one overall pick. In the second and third rounds, they choose Ludovico Valenciano and Reynaldo Ramos.[2]
Their very first two imports in the first conference of the season were the returning Donnie Ray Koonce and Jerry Eaves, a third round draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 1982 and who played for Utah's entire 82-game regular season in his rookie year. Both were handpicked by Alaska coaching consultant Norman Black, the former import and coach of the defunct Magnolia quintet who signed a one-year contract with the new team.
Alaska placed fourth in their inaugural conference and missed out the semifinal round in the second and third conferences, placing fifth and sixth.
1987–1988: Bruise Brothers era
[edit]A strike within Alaska Milk Corporation led the team to play under a different brand. AMC brought in Hills Bros. Coffee to mitigate the strike's impact on its brand.[3] The ballclub, temporarily renamed as the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings, had a new coach in Nat Canson, who last coached the Gold Eagle Beer squad in 1984. Following Manila Beer's disbandment, the Coffee Kings acquired three players from the Brewmasters; Elpidio Villamin, Tim Coloso and sophomore Adonis Tierra. They also acquired three-time PBA MVP William 'Bogs' Adornado from Shell via trade and Ginebra discard Joey Marquez.[4]
In the 1987 All-Filipino Conference, the Coffee Kings surprisingly made it to the finals against corporate rival Great Taste Coffee Makers. This mark the birth of the tandem known as the "Bruise Brothers" in Yoyoy Villamin and Ricky Relosa, both players during their earlier years in the PBA were the promising forwards of legendary teams Crispa and Toyota. Villamin played alongside Abet Guidaben and Philip Cezar for Crispa while Relosa were teammates with Ramon Fernandez and Abe King at Toyota. The Coffee Kings were swept in the finals by Great Taste in three games. Coach Nat Canson resigned three weeks after the championship series.
Former Tanduay coach Arturo Valenzona, who himself was ax from the job by Tanduay management after the Rhum Makers were eliminated, accepted the offer to coach the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings starting the third conference.[5] Parading a sweet-shooting import Jose Slaughter, who breaks the previous record for most three-point shots converted with 14 triples as he finished with 79 points in the October 18 game against Great Taste which they won, 129–115. Hills Bros were in their second finals stint after beating the Billy Ray Bates led-Ginebra in a playoff game on December 1, 1987. They faced San Miguel Beermen (formerly Magnolia) in the Reinforced Conference championship series and after winning Game One, they lost the next four games and finished bridesmaid for the second straight conference of the season.
Returning to Alaska Milk in the 1988 PBA season, the team signed three players from Shell; Rey Lazaro, Biboy Ravanes and Willie Pearson to strengthen its lineup. Before the start of the season, Bogs Adornado announces his retirement from active playing and was given recognition by the PBA in the opening day on March 20, 1988. Alaska placed third in the Open and All-Filipino Conference of the season. Bogs Adornado would replace Arturo Valenzona as the team's head coach beginning the third conference.
1989–1992: Arrival of coach Tim Cone and Jolas with their 1st title
[edit]The year 1989 was an exciting year for Alaska as the team drafted the high-leaping Paul Alvarez and the backcourt tandem of Ric-Ric Marata and Elmer Cabahug. Veteran center Abet Guidaben, who has been disgruntled in the last three months of the 1988 season following a bitter trade with Ramon Fernandez that sent him to Purefoods Hotdogs, has joined the "Bruise Brothers" to form a force inside the paint. Alaska was able to hire Sean Chambers, who played with the American selection in two previous PBA/IBA series, as their import to replaced their first choice Carl Lott in the 1989 Open Conference. Chambers led Alaska to a third-place finish in his first PBA stint.
American Tim Cone, a member of the PBA's vintage panel, accepted the coaching chores for Alaska Milk on full-time starting the All-Filipino Conference. Alaska has long without a coach when Bogs Adornado was sacked after the elimination round of the first conference and team manager Joel Aquino handled the team on interim basis.
Alaska continues to struggle despite the mixture of veterans and young players in the roster and team owner Wilfred Uytengsu could not hide his disappointment when the Milkmen went winless in the semifinals of the 1990 All-Filipino Conference. They got rid of one of their veterans; Abet Guidaben, who was traded to Pepsi for Harmon Codiñera.
In the third conference of the 1990 PBA season, Alaska finally advances in the finals for the third time in franchise history and their first since the 1987 season. Going up against the Purefoods Hotdogs, both teams were gunning for their first championship. Alaska had former Boston Celtic Carlos Clark and Sean Chambers as their imports to be pitted against Daren Queenan and Robert Rose of the Hotdogs. The Milkmen went up 2–0 in the best-of-five title series and on a threshold of winning their first trophy, but Purefoods came back and win the last three games to capture the 1990 PBA third conference crown.
1991:The JOLAS Era a.k.a. The Helicopter and Mr. Clutch.
Beginning the 1991 PBA season, the team let go of its vital cog, Yoyoy Villamin, who was traded along with Ric-Ric Marata to Sarsi. Elmer Cabahug was shipped to Purefoods and Alaska acquired the Hotdogs star player Jojo Lastimosa in return as he will team up with Paul Alvarez in which coach Tim Cone describes as unbeatable tandem. Alaska signed their two first round picks in the rookie draft, Alex Araneta and Eugene Quilban and their third rookie, Rhoel Gomez. There were criticisms on some of Alaska's moves during the off-season as they say experience was supposed to win championships instead of the fountain of youth.
After a third-place showing in the All-Filipino Conference, the Milkmen returned to the finals in the Third Conference with Paul Alvarez back in form after being idle for almost eight months, recuperating from the injury he suffered in 1990, in Game three of the title playoffs. Playing against crowd-favorite Ginebra San Miguel, the Milkmen finally won their first PBA title, winning the best of five series, three games to one. Alaska import Sean Chambers got the better of his counterpart, Ginebra import Wes Matthews, in the four-game series.
In 1992, Alaska owned the second pick in the draft and they choose the burly 6'4" Stevenson Solomon, who had been in the mold of a Yoyoy Villamin and was part of the national team that regain the SEA Games basketball gold in Manila. Another national player, Allen Sasan, was chosen by Alaska in the first round. Despite a stronger lineup compared to the previous year, and with Lastimosa and Alvarez playing together for one full season, the Milkmen were eliminated in the All-Filipino and third conferences.
1993–1995: The Abarrientos era and the rivalry with Sunkist
[edit]Alaska previously had the best point guards in the past four years to back up their veteran and starting point guard Frankie Lim, Ricric Marata for two years, then Eugene Quilban and Gilbert 'Jun' Reyes (whom Quilban was traded for), all big names during their amateur days. In 1993, Alaska picked another point guard in the rookie draft as the third overall, former FEU Tamaraw Johnny Abarrientos, who has been making waves in the Philippine Basketball League, winning PBL titles for three seasons and was expected to follow the footsteps of Hector Calma and Ronnie Magsanoc in the pros. He will be the starting point guard of Alaska as Frankie Lim, the last among the original milkmen, decided to moved out and joined the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs.
The beginning of what turn out to be a dynasty in the second part of the 1990s started in the 1994 season. The Milkmen in the middle of last year acquired forward Bong Hawkins from Sta. Lucia Realtors. The team selected 6'5" center Poch Juinio in the 1994 PBA draft. Alaska would win their second PBA title in the third conference called Governors Cup, defeating Swift Mighty Meaties in six games.
Swift, renamed Sunkist Orange Juicers in the 1995 PBA season, became Alaska's finals rival that year. They played in the championship in the first two conferences of the season and the Orange Juicers prevailed both times. The three consecutive finals meeting between the two teams was the first since Crispa and Toyota in 1975–1976. Alaska was able to stop Sunkist' quest for a grandslam by retaining the Governors Cup crown, defeating San Miguel Beermen in seven games.
1996 Grand Slam
[edit]Alaska return to the All-Filipino Cup finals against Purefoods, who were back in the All-Filipino finals after missing out in 1995. The Milkmen were considered the underdogs before the best of seven title showdown. They outbattled a tough and gritty TJ Hotdogs and won in just five games. Last season's rookie of the year Jeffrey Cariaso converted two free throws with 0.6 of a second remaining in overtime of Game five and Purefoods up by one, 92–91, to win it in a fitting moment as Alaska won their first All-Filipino title and their fourth PBA crown.
The Milkmen were in their seventh straight finals appearance when they go up against surprise finalist Formula Shell for the Commissioner's Cup title. The Milkmen were given a hard time by the Shell team of Benjie Paras, Victor Pablo and import Kenny Redfield. The finals series went into a seventh and deciding game and Alaska's championship experience prove to be a key factor in winning, 83–77. Their import, Sean Chambers, was a late replacement for Derrick Hamilton, who was sent packing after traces of marijuana were discovered in his urine during the last stages of the semifinals.
In the Governor's Cup, Alaska completed the PBA's fourth grandslam, defeating Ginebra San Miguel in five games. In the year-end awards, Johnny Abarrientos was named MVP, Bong Hawkins settled for the Mythical five with Jojo Lastimosa, Starting center Poch Juinio was the season's most improved player and Sean Chambers was a runaway winner of the best import award.
The dynasty continues (1997–1998)
[edit]Before the 1997 PBA season started, Alaska lost three players who were integral part of the team that bagged four straight titles, they are Jun Reyes, whom Alaska dealt to Sta.Lucia in exchange for Boyet Fernandez, center Cris Bolado, who moved to Purefoods, and Jeffrey Cariaso, who was shipped to Mobiline. New acquisitions Dwight Lago, Rodney Santos and Boyet Fernandez would be hampered by their unfamiliarity with Alaska's vaunted triangle offense.
In the All-Filipino Cup, the Milkmen were eliminated from the semifinals for the first time in four years. They return to the finals in the Commissioner's Cup but lost to Gordon's Gin Boars (formerly Ginebra) in six games. Alaska was able to retain the only crown left in their grandslam conquest last year by winning their fourth straight Governor's Cup trophy. Late in the eliminations, they acquired veteran center Jack Tanuan and the high-flying Kenneth Duremdes in exchange for Dwight Lago and Boyet Fernandez from Pop Cola. Duremdes became a perfect replacement for Cariaso and in the title series against Purefoods Carne Norte Beefies, the Milkmen had an easier time in winning four games to one after losing the series opener. Alaska showed no mercy in a 94–66 rout in Game five.
The Milkmen were in a bid for a second grandslam in the 1998 season after defeating the Ron Jacobs-coached San Miguel Beermen twice in the finals of the first two conferences. They came back from a 2–3 series deficit in the All-Filipino Cup to win in seven games. In the Commissioner's Cup, dreadlock-sporting Devin Davis became the only other Alaska import in the 1990s besides Sean Chambers to lead the team to the crown. The Milkmen won their 9th PBA title, tying the famed Toyota Super Corollas as the third winningest ball club.
The possible 'Grand Slam II' for the team didn't happen with the 1998 Asian Games set in December and Cone being named head coach, Abarrientos, Duremdes and Lastimosa were tapped to lead the Philippine team.
Assistants Jun Reyes and Dickey Bachmann took over for Alaska. But despite a strong showing from the slasher Rodney Santos and their resident shooter, Rhoel Gomez, the Milkmen failed to enter the semis of both the special 1998 PBA Centennial Cup and the season-ending Governor's Cup.
Duremdes was named the Most Valuable Player at the end of the year, the second Alaska Milkmen to win the coveted individual award.
10th PBA title
[edit]With the arrival of some talented Filipino-American cagers in the league, the Milkmen opted to stick with the same core for the 1999 season. In the All-Filipino, the Milkmen was eliminated by expansion team Tanduay in the semis.
In the Commissioner's Cup, Devin Davis made his return to the team, but the young San Miguel team of Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle conspired with their import, Terquin Mott, to eliminate the Aces in five games. They finished third in the tournament.
Alaska advanced to the Finals of the Governor's Cup with Chambers at the helm but San Miguel, led by Lamont "The Helicopter" Strothers, defeated the Milkmen in six games despite Alaska getting an early 2–1 series lead.
In 2000, Jojo Lastimosa was traded to Pop Cola as part of the team's future plan to rebuild. Alaska won their 10th PBA title at the expense of Purefoods in the All-Filipino Conference. Purefoods won Game one of this series but the Milkmen won the next four games to win the series.
The Milkmen failed to enter the Finals of the Commissioner's Cup after they were eliminated by the Beermen in the semi-finals.
2001–2022: Alaska Aces
[edit]As part of the league's move to strengthen its marketing through the PBA Properties, Alaska adopted a new moniker the Alaska Aces. Despite the change Alaska failed to reach the Finals of the Governor's Cup once again.
2000–01 season
[edit]Before the 2001 season, the Aces traded popular star Johnny Abarrientos to the Pop Cola Panthers for forward Ali Peek and guard Jon Ordonio. In the draft, Alaska used the fifth pick to draft Fil-Am John Arigo. The Aces also signed Duremdes to a reported 48 million peso deal for seven years. In the All-Filipino conference, the Aces were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Abarrientos and Pop Cola. In the Commissioners Cup, a strong showing by Peek gave defending champion San Miguel a fight but still loss in five games of the semis. In the Governors Cup, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Chambers retired three games into the Governors Cup. In a simple ceremony, the Aces retired his #20 jersey, becoming the second player in team history to have his number retired.
2001–02 season
[edit]Duremdes was borrowed by the Philippine National Team in 2002 and Lastimosa made his return to Alaska. The Aces, with Ron Riley and Montreal Dobbins as imports, but after 6 games, Dobbins was replaced by James Head, advanced to the finals of the Governor's Cup against Purefoods. The Aces led 2–0 in the seven-game series, but the TJ Hotdogs won the next three games. After Alaska tied it up in Game Six, Purefoods won Game seven to deny the Aces its 11th title. In the Commissioner's Cup, Ajani Williams and Chris Carawell bannered the Aces but was eliminated by Talk N' Text in the semi-finals. Duremdes returned for the Aces in the All-Filipino and made it to the finals. After winning Game 1, the Aces lost the next three games to settle another runner-up finish.
2002–03 season: Invitational Champs
[edit]In the 2003 PBA Draft, Alaska shocked the league by trading their superstar, Kenneth Duremdes to the Sta. Lucia Realtors for the fifth pick of the first round. This enabled Alaska to get Brandon Cablay as the team's top draft pick. The Aces also held the first overall pick in the draft and selected De La Salle University-Manila star point guard Mike Cortez, who was considered as the next great point guard in the Alaska franchise's history, following Johnny Abarrientos.
During halftime of their season opening game, Alaska retired Jojo Lastimosa's #6 jersey. During the offseason, Lastimosa announced his retirement after playing 15 seasons in the league. He became one of the team's assistant coaches under coach Cone's era.
In the All-Filipino, Alaska failed in its bid to enter the Finals as they were eliminated by Talk 'N Text in a grueling five-game series. However, the Aces won the third-place trophy via a blowout in expense of the San Miguel Beermen.
In the Invitational tournament, Alaska had to play in the qualifying round to enter the tournament. The Aces swept the elimination round, winning all four of its games, to make it to the semis. In a one-game showdown, Alaska defeated Red Bull Barako to face Coca-Cola in the Finals.
The Tigers won Game One of the series, but the Aces won the next two games to win their 11th PBA title, this time with a different set of players. Brandon Cablay was named as Finals MVP, while Ali Peek won Best Player of the Conference honors.
In the Reinforced Conference, Alaska struggled in the tournament and was eliminated by Duremdes and Sta. Lucia in the quarters.
2003–04 Fiesta Conference
[edit]Alaska paraded former NBA journeyman Galen Young for the 2004 Fiesta Conference. The Aces placed second after the elimination round of the tournament. But, they failed to enter the finals of the said tournament winning only one game in three outings in the semi-finals.
2004–05 season
[edit]In the 2004–05 season, the Aces managed to finished fourth in the qualifying round. After eliminating FedEx in the Wild-Card phase, they were swept by San Miguel in the quarters. During the tournament, Arigo and Peek were shipped to Coca-Cola for Jeffrey Cariaso and Reynel Hugnatan. Bong Hawkins also made his return to the Aces, reuniting him with Cariaso, assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa, and Cone. Alaska hired Leon Derricks for the Fiesta Conference. However, his inconsistent game led to his replacement by former Chicago Bull Dickey Simpkins. The addition of Simpkins helped Alaska climb into third place at the end of the classification round. The Aces faced Red Bull Thunder in the semis. A back injury sustained by Simpkins, after being elbowed in the back by Dorian Peña, prevented him from playing at full strength during the series. Former Alaska Ace, Bryan Gahol, hit the last second shot in Game three to eliminate Alaska from the tournament.
2005–06 season
[edit]Prior to the start of the 2005–06 PBA season, the Aces built up their lineup by acquiring national team pool members, Tony dela Cruz and Rich Alvarez from the disbanding Shell Turbo Chargers. They also acquired the services of former Mobiline and Coca-Cola import Artemus "Tee" McClary for the Fiesta Conference. After the Aces placed second behind Team Pilipinas in the Brunei Sultan's Cup, with Dela Cruz playing for the said team, the team was considered as one of the top contenders to win the upcoming season. However, they went on a slide after a good start. After Alaska blowing a 28-point lead and losing to the Purefoods Chunkee Giants, the team went on a downhill since. With McClary's decline starting to show, he was eventually replaced by the 3-point shooting Odell Bradley who showed some impressive scoring outputs. However, Alaska still finished seventh in the classification phase with a 7–9 record. The Aces swept Sta. Lucia in a best-of-three matchup in the wildcard phase before being swept in a best-of-five affair by eventual champion Red Bull Barako.
Weeks before the start of the Philippine Cup, Alaska traded Brandon Cablay to San Miguel in exchange for veteran Nic Belasco. On May 8, 2006, they traded Don Allado to Talk 'N Text for guard Willie Miller, forward John Ferriols, & a 2006 first round pick. Alaska finished with a 9–7 record in the classifications, thus earning an outright berth in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the Aces defeated the Coca-Cola Tigers, with former Alaska star Johnny Abarrientos on the squad, 3–1. The opening game of the series saw Alaska winning on a last second three-pointer by Nic Belasco. In the semi-finals against top-seed Purefoods Chunkee Giants, the Aces led 3–1 and was a win away from a finals berth but failed to win all of the remaining games. Alaska would end the tournament on a winning note, capturing the third-place trophy with a 102–95 win over San Miguel, their 12th third-place finish in team history.
2006–07 season: Fiesta Conference Champions
[edit]Head coach Tim Cone signed a contract extension to remain with the team, erasing speculation of his possible dismissal. In the 2006 PBA Draft, Alaska selected Letran's Aaron Aban and UST's Christian Luanzon.
Alaska started the 2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup poorly but rebounded to finish with an 8–10 record for a wildcard berth. After losing in a last-second overtime thriller against Coca-Cola, and a win by Sta. Lucia on the next game date eliminated Alaska from contention despite winning their last game against Sta. Lucia.
Injuries to Reynel Hugnatan and Mike Cortez affected the team's play throughout the said conference.
However, Alaska started the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference with a 7–4 card before the All-Star break, with Roselle Ellis as their import. Shooting Guard, Willie Miller provided a strong performance for the Aces during the tournament posting numerous 20 point-games.
The return of Cortez sparked a late surge by the team by finishing with a 12–6 record and beat Ginebra in a one-game playoff to earn an outright semifinals berth.
After eliminating the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals via a 4–2 series win, the Aces entered the finals for a 19th time to meet the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals.
Despite a 1–2 and a 2–3 deficit in the titular showdown, Miller, named the league's Most Valuable Player, erupted for 29 points to tie the series in Game 4 and recovered from a dismal performance in Game 5 with a sterling 37-point output in Game 6 to force a decider.
The seventh game was a seesaw battle before Miller fired a go-ahead layup and a Reynel Hugnatan freethrow in the last two minutes to seal a 99–96 championship win for Alaska.
2007–08 season
[edit]Alaska picked Adamson stalwart, Ken Bono, and University of Visayas Green Lancers starting center, JR "Baby Shaq" Quiñahan as the 6th and 7th overall picks of the 2007 PBA Draft along with second round selection Ardy Larong.
In order to free up some cap spaces, the team traded veteran forward Nic Belasco to Welcoat in exchange for Junjun Cabatu while signing free agent Ariel Capus.
In the 2007–08 Philippine Cup, the Aces lost at the semis against Sta. Lucia.
Before the start of the Fiesta Conference, Alaska acquired former King Blue Eagles LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier in exchange for ace point guard Mike Cortez and 1st round draft pick Ken Bono. They also tapped former Chicago Bull and Talk 'N Text import Randy Holcomb as their reinforcement to help them defend the crown. Alaska, started slowly winning only 2 of their 6 matches including a 4-game losing streak. Then came a rumor that Holcomb would be replaced by former Milwaukee Buck Daniel Santiago. However, it was confirmed that the rumors were not true and they were not in negotiations with the Puerto Rico national team starting center. Alaska came on to a conference high 6-game winning streak and made their record to 8–6 and had a chance of getting a semi-final seat.
In their 2nd-round game against Magnolia, Alaska was trailing along the way until the final minute which they came in and even grabbed the lead, but Alaska's semi-final dream came to an end when a call by the referee with 0.3 seconds left caused them the game. Tied at 99 all, former Alaska Ace Mike Cortez split his freethrows to give Magnolia a one-point lead. However, Larry Fonacier's jumper went in front of the rim as time expired and Magnolia escaped with a nail-biting 100–99 win over the defending champions.
2008–09 season: On the road to 13th title
[edit]In the 2008 Annual Rookie Draft held on August 31, 2008, at Market! Market!, Taguig, Alaska drafted scoring guard Solomon Mercado at fifth in the first round and grabbing Mapúa star Kelvin dela Peña at fifteenth in the second round. A day after the draft, the team acquired 2007 first overall pick and team leading scorer Joe Devance from Rain or Shine (formerly Welcoat Dragons) in exchange for Mercado and wingman Eddie Laure.
On September 4, 2008, the team signed 2004 7th overall pick Ervin Sotto. While on September 22, 2008, Alaska traded Quiñahan to the Air21 Express in exchange for 2008 6th overall pick Mark Borboran. Meanwhile, the team also signed veteran 6–9 Eric Canlas through free agency.
The Aces started their campaign on their quest for their 4th All-Filipino crown on a high note including a 4–0 start. They struggled in the middle part of the conference but still remained the leader in the standings. Alaska finished as the number one team after the elimination round winning 12 games in 18 matches and was the first team to secure a seat in the Semifinals giving them a long rest. After three weeks of waiting, they faced the defending Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realtors, a re-match of last year's Semifinals which went to a seven-game grueling series. The Realtors swept the depleted-lineup of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Quarterfinals. The Aces beat the defending champion Realtors in six games to advance and arranged a Finals showdown with the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. They had a 2–0 lead first but Talk 'N Text tied the series 2–2. In Game 5, Alaska won 95–93 courtesy by Willie Miller's tough three-point shot. In Game 6, Talk 'N Text tied the series 3–3 to force a Game 7. In Game 7, they had a chance to win the title but the missed free throws during the crucial seconds of the game by Miller and Joe Devance gave Talk 'N Text the win and the title, 93–89.
2009–10 season: two straight Finals appearances and their 13th title
[edit]In the All-Filipino Cup, Alaska started strong and finished in first place in the standings, earning them an automatic semi-final seat. Willie Miller led the Aces in scoring with LA Tenorio continued to blossom for the Aces. They swept Ginebra in the semi-finals and faced Purefoods for the championship, who defeated San Miguel in the semis. Despite their strong output during the eliminations, Purefoods swept them in the finals, including three straight game heart-breaking losses.
In the Fiesta Conference, Alaska paraded import Diamon Simpson. Simpson, who played for the Los Angeles D-Fenders, an NBA D-League team and affiliate of back-to-back NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers before coming to the PBA, was very impressive and fit perfectly into Tim Cone's Triangle System. He nearly averaged 30 points and 20 rebounds a game and made Alaska the favorites to win it all in the import-laden conference. In the middle of the conference, leading scorer Willie Miller was traded to the Barangay Ginebra Kings in exchange for high flyer Cyrus Baguio. It was stated by Miller's agent [6] that Miller wanted out of Alaska before the season started. After the trade was approved and made, in a coincidence, Alaska's next game was against Ginebra. In that game, the Aces trailed most of the game until the fourth quarter, when Cyrus Baguio finally exploded for 14 points to lead Alaska to a come from behind win. The Aces put team captain Jeffrey Cariaso in the reserve list in what would have been his retirement but a few games later, Cariaso returned to play once more. Alaska also signed veteran guard Topex Robinson during the season.
Alaska met rival Talk N Text in the semi-finals. LA Tenorio was awarded as the Most Improved Player in the league. Former Alaska point guard Johnny Abarrientos announced his retirement after playing 15 seasons in the league. The Aces defeated the Tropang Texters in a grueling seven-game series despite being down 2–3. The Aces met top seed San Miguel Beermen led by best import Gabe Freeman in the finals. The Aces dominated the Beermen and won their 12th Championship in six games. LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio were named co-Finals MVPs of the series.
At the end of the season, Jeffrey Cariaso retired and Tony Dela Cruz was named the new captain of the team.
2010–11 season: The franchise's 25th anniversary
[edit]Before the season began, the Aces celebrated their 25th anniversary as a PBA franchise on September 28, 2010. During the commemoration, they formally retired the jerseys of Bong Hawkins (#16) and Johnny Abarrientos (#14). Both players were instrumental for their grandslam finish in 1996. On draft day, they traded shooter Larry Fonacier to Talk 'N Text in exchange for the fourth overall pick which was used to pick former UE Warrior Elmer Espiritu. With Jeffrey Cariaso already retired, they traded their second pick in first round to Meralco for another former UE player Bonbon Custodio. They also drafted JRU's Marvin Hayes as #2 pick in the second round.
For the duration of the Philippine Cup, they sported their throwback early 1990s light uniform temporary replacing their current light jersey. They finished the conference with a 7–7 record. Thanks to Joe Devance's improved play, good enough for them to be qualified in the quarterfinals. However, they were defeated by Ginebra in a do-or-die five games series despite leading 2–0 and up by 20 in game 5.
In the 2011 Commissioner's Cup, they paraded former Chicago Bull Eddie Basden as their import. Before the conference started, the Aces played in Cebu for an Invitational Tournament that made them the champions in the said league. However, Basden failed to pass the height limit requirement for imports which was 6'4. They quickly replaced him with 2010 NBA D-League Slam Dunk Champion LD Williams. They also traded long time bruiser Reynel Hugnatan to Meralco for young guns Hans Thiele and Paolo Bugia, released Marvin Hayes and signed guard Don Dulay. Topex Robinson, who still has a live contract with Alaska, joined Tim Cone's crew as one of the assistant coaches of the team.
Before the start of the 2011 Governor's Cup, they traded rookie Elmer Espiritu to Air21 in exchange for swingman Wesley Gonzales. On May 27, 2011, Alaska was forced to let go of Joe Devance after the talented Fil-Am forward begged off. Team manager Joaqui Trillo, however, stressed Devance was guaranteed the maximum pay through the end of his current contract. They eventually decided to trade him to Air21 Express for Jay-R Reyes. On the next day, Commissioner Salud requested Air21 to add up another player or its 2011 first round pick as he finds the trade "uneven". The Express responded with the 2011 and 2012 second round picks making Salud nod in the deal. The Aces also signed PBA Veteran Aries Dimaunahan. In the third conference, they had a slow start, losing their first two games but quickly bounced back winning four of their last five games, thanks to import Jason Forte's hustle play. The team's improved play led by LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio plus newcomer Wesley Gonzales' "real game" started to pay off, and the Aces qualified to the step ladder semifinals. The Aces finished with 8 wins in 13 outings including the semifinals despite losing key players Cyrus Baguio and Wesley Gonzales to injuries. But due to the controversial quotient system, Alaska failed to enter the finals with Petron having the superior quotient despite with the same records with Ginebra and the Aces itself.
2011–12 Tim Cone era ends; Joel Banal succeeds
[edit]The Aces released Paolo Bugia, Don Dulay and Mike Burtscher, while guard Aries Dimaunahan returned to Shopinas.com Clickers where his rights are based. In the 2011 PBA draft, Alaska picked former FEU main man and Smart-Gilas standout Mac Baracael at sixth overall in the first round. In the second round, the Aces have four picks and used it to get former Blue Eagle leading scorer Eric Salamat at the 13th, Fil-Am Julius Pasculado at the 14th, and big man Ariel Mepana at the 15th. The Aces also owned the 17th pick but decided to trade it to Meralco for its 2014 second round pick.
On September 1, 2011, Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu held a rare press conference announcing Tim Cone's departure as head coach of the Aces after spending 22 years at the helm with the team. He said that Cone left Alaska to seek opportunities outside of the organization. He was succeeded by his lead assistant Joel Banal, who inked a three-year deal to lead the team. In his first conference as the Aces' new tactician, the team struggled in the All-Filipino Cup and had one of their worst finishes in years, winning only three games out of fourteen outings. They recruited 6'10 Matt Haryasz out of Stanford University as their reinforcement for the Commissioner's Cup. However, Haryasz was replaced by returning import and Mexico national team member Adam Parada before the start of the conference. The Aces also signed swingman Niño Gelig to bolster their lineup. Gelig had been a former teammate of Cyrus Baguio and were known as the dynamic combo during their UST days in the UAAP as well as in the now-defunct PBL.
On April 16, 2012, Banal stepped down as coach. Alaska owner Wilfred Uytengsu appointed long-time assistant coach Luigi Trillo, son of the current PBA governor Joaqui Trillo to handle the team for the rest of the season. They also brought back Jason Forte as reinforcement in the Governor's Cup. They went on and finished 9th in the league winning only two of their nine outings. The Aces failed to enter the quarter-finals with the team having its worst finish in a season since it joined the league.
2012–13 season: The Calvin Abueva era,Champions again
[edit]Having earned the second worst record the season before, Alaska was awarded with the second overall pick in the draft lottery. On August 19, 2012, at the PBA Rookie Draft, the Aces selected NCAA Season 87 MVP Calvin Abueva of the San Sebastian Stags as the second overall pick. As most of the analysts said that Abueva, who was monickered as "the Beast" due to his impressive basketball skills, had been the most talented player in the draft. Abueva leads the NCAA in points, rebounds and assists directory. While in the second round, the Aces snatched former UE Warrior point guard Raphy Reyes and swingman Karl Dehesa. They also retained head coach Luigi Trillo and hired Alex Compton, Louie Alas and reinstated Topex Robinson as assistant coaches. Leo Austria was supposed to join the Aces' coaching staff as well but focused first with his head coaching job at Adamson University, making him available for next year. Dickie Bachmann was promoted to assistant manager while Jojo Lastimosa was tasked to man the sports camp director post.
Two weeks after the draft, the Aces made another blockbuster deal involving four other teams. As a result, they sent point guard LA Tenorio to Ginebra and acquired JVee Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, and Ginebra's 2015 2nd Round Pick.[7] They also signed second round draft pick Raphy Reyes to boost their back court and brought back veterans Nic Belasco and Eddie Laure, who helped the Aces win the championship last 2007. After the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags bowed out at the hands of Letran Knights in the NCAA Final Four, Abueva signs with the Aces in a three-year max rookie deal.
The Aces managed to finish 5th in the standings with eight wins on fourteen meetings to qualify the quarterfinals. They swept 4th-seed Meralco Bolts, in two games and entered the semifinals to face defending champion Talk 'N Text. Many are surprised with the Aces' performance as they pushed the defending champions in six grueling games before losing.
In the Commissioner's Cup, Alaska tapped former University of Memphis Tiger Robert Dozier as their reinforcement. They also nabbed Aldrech Ramos from San Mig Coffee after trading Mac Baracael to Ginebra. Dozier fit perfectly well in the Aces' system and thanks to his brilliant performance plus support from local stars Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, JVee Casio, Calvin Abueva and sixth man Dondon Hontiveros, Alaska topped the standings with an 11–3 record at the end of the eliminations and gained twice to beat advantage in quarterfinal round. They beat Air21 in the quarterfinals to face San Mig Coffee in the semis, setting up an attempt to finally beat former Alaska long-time coach Tim Cone. San Mig won Game 1 on a Bowles game winner but Alaska regained the momentum as they won the last three games to advance to the Finals against Barangay Ginebra. They swept the Kings in three lopsided games to win the 2013 Commissioner's Cup trophy. This was the 14th championship for the Aces and the first one without their long-time coach, Tim Cone. Rob Dozier was the run-away Best Import of the Conference, while Sonny Thoss was minted the Finals MVP.
In the Governor's Cup, Alaska tapped former New Mexico State standout Wendell McKines as import. Though McKines was consistent in the tournament by averaging a 30 point-20-rebounds every game, Alaska struggled during the conference but was good enough to qualify in the Playoffs with four wins in nine outings. They faced San Mig Coffee, which has a twice-to-beat advantage. The Aces came back from a 15-point deficit in the first game to force a do-or-die match-up but lost in the second game, bowing out of the Governor's Cup. During the Finals, Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva was named the Rookie Of The Year and included in the PBA Mythical First Team. Guard Cyrus Baguio and Center Sonny Thoss was included in the Mythical Second Team while JVee Casio won the Sportsmanship Award.
On November 12, 2013, the PBA Press Corps awarded Luigi Trillo as the Coach of the Year for the 2012–13 Season beating Grand Slam coaches Norman Black of Talk N' Text and former Alaska head coach Tim Cone of the San Mig Coffee Mixers. Trillo steered Alaska from a lottery team in 2011–12 to a title contender last season. Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva was named in the All-Rookie Team along with Petron Blaze Boosters' Junemar Fajardo, Meralco Bolts' Cliff Hodge, San Mig Coffee Mixers' Alex Mallari and hotshot Chris Tiu of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
2013–14 Season: Trillo Out, Compton In
[edit]Long-time Alaska Governor/Team Manager Joaqui Trillo announced his retirement effectively at the start of the 2013–14 PBA Season. Former Aces assistant coach Dickie Bachmann has been tapped as his replacement.
In the 2013 PBA Draft, Alaska used their 8th overall pick to select former Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe, former FEU Tamaraw Chris "Ping" Exciminiano in the second round, and PBA D-League bigman Raymund Ilagan in the third round. The Aces traded their other second round pick to the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters for a future second round pick as well. They also signed former ABL MVP Leo Avenido to bolster their lineup in the upcoming 2013–14 PBA Philippine Cup. The Aces managed to win 8 games in 14 outings and qualify for the playoffs as an eight seed and faced top-seeded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who has a twice-to-beat advantage. Alaska forced a do-or-die by taking Game 1 but fell short in Game 2, eliminating them in the process.
In the Commissioner's Cup, the Aces brought back reigning best import Robert Dozier, who helped Alaska snatch their 13th title the year before. They traded Aldrech Ramos to Air21 Express for bruiser Vic Manuel to beef up their frontline. The Aces had a 1–3 slow start but managed to win their remaining five games to earn the number 3 seed in the playoffs. They faced sixth seed San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in a best-of-three series. The Aces took Game 1 but lost Games 2 and 3 and again, they failed to enter the semifinals for the third straight conference.
Alaska tapped former NBA player Bill Walker, who suited up for the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks as their reinforcement in the Governor's Cup. After splitting their first two games, Luigi Trillo stepped down as head coach of Alaska. Trillo, who was awarded as the PBA Coach of the Year in 2013, resigned because of "family reasons". With Trillo throwing the towel, team owner Wilfred Uytengsu appointed lead assistant Alex Compton as the team's new tactician. Alaska suffered its worst defeat in history, a 51-point deficit at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Rumors sparkled that the team was being put on sale to newcomer NLEX Corp, who wanted to buy an existing franchise instead of starting from scratch. Team manager Dickie Bachmann shut down the rumors stating the team was "here to stay." Uytengsu also denied the rumors and stated that he was not selling the franchise with the second-most wins in the PBA. He called the reports as "silly and laughable". The following week, Alaska extended the contracts of main core players Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and JVee Casio for another three years. The Aces finished the conference with a 5–4 record making them the third seed and earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs. They eliminated crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals, 92–81. The Aces entered the semifinals and faced the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Despite leading the series two games to one, the Aces lost the series in five grueling games and finished third place in the tournament.
2014–15 Season: The birth of The Comeback Kids and #WeNotMe
[edit]In the 2014 PBA draft, Alaska used the 5th overall pick to select Filipino-Italian guard Chris Banchero, who led the San Miguel Beermen to a championship in the ABL, and in the second round, they drafted San Beda stalwart Rome dela Rosa. The Aces also traded two future second round picks to Global Port Batang Pier in exchange for former PBA MVP Eric Menk. In their preparations for the upcoming season, they hired Rob Beveridge, a well-known successful coach in the Australian Basketball League to improve the team's performance focusing on defense. After signing their rookies Banchero and Dela Rosa to their respective contracts, they also signed veteran swingman Josh Vanlandingham from the free agent market. They started the season 6–0 atop of the standings in the Philippine Cup [8] but suffered their first loss at the hands of Barako Bull.[9] After winning a road game against GlobalPort in Cagayan de Oro City, they were denied of an outright semi-finals berth after losing two crucial games against Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, respectively. Yet, they still earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Quarterfinals. After demolishing NLEX in their quarterfinal matchup, the Aces faced Meralco Bolts in the knockout phase and won the game in a blowout fashion to set a rematch with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a best-of-seven semi-finals series. They finished the series in six games to face San Miguel in the Finals for their 27th finals appearance. They battled the Beermen in seven gruelling games before eventually lost Game 7 by two points.
Alaska tapped D.J. Covington as their import for the Commissioner's Cup. After four games, he was replaced by Damion James. They also traded bruising forward Gabby Espinas to GlobalPort for defensive center Nonoy Baclao. Even with James as their reinforcement, the Aces could not come up with winning streaks, owing to injuries to key players Abueva, Casio, and Thoss. They recorded a 5–6 win loss record after the eliminations. Somehow, they punched a ticket to the Quarterfinals as the No. 6 seed after beating Barangay Ginebra in their last game, to set up a match with Purefoods, who eventually swept them in the Quarterfinal rounds.
In the Governors' Cup, the Aces acquired the services of Romeo Travis, LeBron James' childhood friend and high school teammate at St. Vincent-St. Mary. They won the first three games of the conference, but lost two of their next three games to Talk N'Text and NLEX, respectively. Since then, they won four straight to clinch the top spot in the elimination round with 8–3 win–loss record, although they dropped their last game to GlobalPort. They easily deposed Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinal rounds to set up a semis showdown against Star Hotshots. They swept the Hotshots, 3–0 and earned a ticket to the Finals for their 28th finals appearance. They set up a rematch against San Miguel, who eventually swept them, 4–0.
2015–16 season: Drive for 15th continues
[edit]The Aces drafted Letran standout Kevin Racal with the 11th pick in the rookie draft, as well as big man Marion Magat and crafty guard Abel Galliguez. During the offseason, Alaska allowed Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros and Coach Alex Compton join the Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 national team, who won silver medals in both the 2015 William Jones Cup and 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.
On November 12, 2015, The PBA franchise celebrated their 30th anniversary with the recognition night for the 30 greatest players in the team's history held in the Enderun College, Taguig.[10]
Alaska was consistent all throughout the All-Filipino eliminations, thanks to their intact lineup, team play and suffocating defense, they won nine out of their eleven outings. The Aces earned the number one spot in the standings, hence, giving them an outright semifinals berth. Alaska faced the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the semi-finals. After losing the first game, the Aces won their next four outings to clinch the first seat in the 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals and set up last year's finals rematch against the San Miguel Beermen.
The Aces won the 1st 3 games of the series and was on the verge of winning the championship after leading by 11 points with less than 4 minutes remaining in the pivotal Game 4. However, the Aces would be denied to win the championship blowing a 3–0 lead by the combined efforts of former Aces player, Gabby Espinas, sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter and defensive stalwart, Chris Ross. Alaska suffered the most disappointing finals ever when the Beermen took the last four games and win the championship.
Alaska once again tapped former Best Import Robert Dozier for the Commissioner's Cup. However, Dozier got injured before the start of the season during practice. With their import sidelined by plantar fasciitis, backup reinforcement Shane Edwards filled in and provided good numbers and led the Aces to five wins in eight outings. Dozier returned three games before the end of the eliminations and the Aces finished third in the standings to qualify for the playoffs. Alaska beat Tropang TNT in the quarterfinals in a do-or-die best of three series. The Aces will look for a third consecutive PBA Finals trip as they face the Meralco Bolts in the semifinals. The Aces bested the Bolts in 5 grueling games to face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Finals. Alaska, hampered by injuries, missed the services of key players JVee Casio and Vic Manuel during the championship series. Despite being down by 0–3 in the finals, Alaska managed to forced the series in six games before losing their third consecutive finals.
The Aces tapped LaDontae Henton as their reinforcement for the Governor's Cup. Vic Manuel and JVee Casio returns for Alaska after healing off injuries. On July 14, 2016, after a six-year tenure with Alaska,[11]Cyrus Baguio was traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters for two second round picks. The Aces decided to trade Baguio due to the emergence of rookie Kevin Racal.
Alaska struggled at the start of the season winning only two matches in five outings even losing to an import-less team San Miguel but went on to a four-game winning streak. The team treated their final outings in the eliminations as "knock out games". On September 16, 2016, Banchero, again, extended his tenure with the Aces. This time, to a longer three-year deal. Terms were not disclosed. The Fil-Italian cager stated that it was an "easy decision" stating "he is very happy with Alaska."[12] He credited the coaching staff and his teammates as the main reason he stayed with the team and hopes he will finish his career with Alaska. The Aces scored an important win in their last game of the eliminations in the season-ending conference to clinch the number six spot by beating the NLEX Road Warriors.[13] Vic Manuel came back from his injury and contributed immediately and faced crowd darling Barangay Ginebra in the playoffs. However, the Aces failed to force a do-or-die game to advance in the semi-finals.
Alaska drafted former FEU bruiser and current Gilas Pilipinas pool member Carl Bryan Cruz during the 2016 PBA Special Draft. They started the 2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup with key players Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva and Noy Baclao in the injured list forcing Cruz, sophomore stretch player Jaypee Mendoza and Marion Magat playing at the center slot. Due to lack of size, the Aces lost their first two games and initiated a deal to send swing man Rome dela Rosa to Star Hotshots in exchange for former San Beda teammate big man Jake Pascual. Pascual immediately contributed to the team with his scrappy plays and defense and with Abueva and Manuel returning to top form, Alaska won its next three games. Despite finishing second in the standings and gaining a twice-to-beat advantage, the Aces, hampered by injuries, failed to enter the semi-finals when they lost two in a row to Barangay Ginebra.
2016–17 season
[edit]In 2016–17, a week after their Philippine Cup campaign, Alaska traded back up point guard RJ Jazul to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for guard Simon Enciso.[14]
2017–18 season
[edit]In the Governor's Cup that year, they went up to the Finals, but lost to Magnolia Hotshots.
2021 season: final season
[edit]On February 16, 2022, Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announced that the Alaska Aces will leave the PBA at the end of the 2021 Governors' Cup. This was due to a directive by FrieslandCampina, parent company of AMC.[15] Alaska ended their last tournament with a loss to the NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinals.[16] Immediately following their last game on March 19, 2022, a brief ceremony was held to mark the Alaska's departure from the PBA.[17]
Franchise's sale to Converge ICT
[edit]Several companies expressed interest to buy the Aces' franchise.[18] This included Universal Canning, Inc.[19] and Converge ICT which is associated to businessman Dennis Anthony Uy (not to be confused and also not related with namesake Dennis Uy who owned the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters).[20][21]
On March 23, 2022, the PBA announced the sale of the franchise to Converge ICT lock, stock and barrel with unanimous approval by the leagues' Board of Governors.
Converge retained the core of the Alaska Aces team (including the coaching staff) as part of the sale of the franchise within the ongoing season.[22]
In the event the franchise was not sold within the ongoing season, the PBA would have placed the players in a dispersal draft.[18][23]
Mascot
[edit]E. Cow was the main mascot of the Alaska Aces.[24] He was first introduced during the mid-1990s and was the longest tenured PBA mascot. His image was also used for Alaska Milk advertisements.
Final roster
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- a also serves as Alaska's board governor.
Season-by-season records
[edit]- Records from the 2021 PBA season:
Conf. | Team name | Elimination round | Playoffs | ||||
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Finish | W | L | PCT | Stage | Results | ||
PHI | Alaska Aces | 11th/12 | 3 | 8 | .273 | Did not qualify | |
GOV | 7th/12 | 6 | 5 | .545 | Quarterfinals | NLEX** def. Alaska in 2 games | |
Total elimination round | 9 | 13 | .409 | 0 Semifinals appearance | |||
Total playoffs | 1 | 1 | .500 | 0 Finals appearance | |||
Total 2021 | 10 | 14 | .417 | 0 Championships | |||
Total franchise | 997 | 831 | .545 | 14 Championships |
*one-game playoffs
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage
Awards
[edit]Individual awards
[edit]PBA Most Valuable Player | Finals MVP | PBA Best Player of the Conference |
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PBA Rookie of the Year Award | PBA All-Defensive Team | PBA Mythical First Team |
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PBA Mythical Second Team | PBA Most Improved Player | PBA Sportsmanship Award |
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PBA Best Import | ||
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PBA Press Corps Individual Awards
[edit]Executive of the Year | Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year | Defensive Player of the Year |
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Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year | Mr. Quality Minutes | All-Rookie Team |
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All-Star Weekend
[edit]All Star MVP | Obstacle Challenge | Three-point Shootout | Slam Dunk Contest | All-Star Selection |
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1989 1990
1991 1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 |
Notable players
[edit]Members of the PBA's 25 greatest players
[edit]- Johnny Abarrientos – "The Flying A" played for team from 1993 to 2000; led Alaska to numerous PBA titles and was the 1996 PBA Most Valuable Player
- Bogs Adornado – played for Hills Bros. in the 1987 season; became the team's head coach after his retirement
- Kenneth Duremdes – "Captain Marbel" played for the team from 1998 to 2003; led Alaska to four PBA titles and was the 1998 PBA Most Valuable Player
- Abet Guidaben – played for the team from 1989 to 1990 before being traded to Pepsi for Harmon Codiñera.
- Jojo Lastimosa – "The 4th Quarter Man" "Mr.Clutch" "The Helicopter" led Alaska to nine PBA titles and was named to numerous Mythical Team selections,10-time PBA All-Star,1988 PBA Rookie of the Year and 1996 PBA All Filipino Cup Finals MVP.
Alaska Aces 30 greatest players
[edit]On November 12, 2015, the Alaska Aces celebrated its 30th anniversary.[10]
- Johnny Abarrientos
- Calvin Abueva
- Paul Alvarez
- Cyrus Baguio
- Boy Cabahug
- Jeffrey Cariaso
- JV Casio
- Sean Chambers
- Mike Cortez
- Devin Davis
- Tony Dela Cruz
- Robert Dozier
- Kenneth Duremdes
- Rosell Ellis
- Bong Hawkins
- Dondon Hontiveros
- Reynel Hugnatan
- Poch Juinio
- Jojo Lastimosa
- Rey Lazaro
- Ric-Ric Marata
- Willie Miller
- Willie Pearson
- Ali Peek
- Eugene Quilban
- Biboy Ravanes
- Rodney Santos
- Diamon Simpson
- LA Tenorio
- Sonny Thoss
- Yoyoy Villamin
MVP awardee while still with the team
[edit]- Johnny Abarrientos – 1996
- Kenneth Duremdes – 1998
- Willie Miller – 2007
ROY awardee while still with the team
[edit]- Eugene Quilban – 1991
- Jeffrey Cariaso – 1995
- Calvin Abueva – 2013
Team captains
[edit]- Frankie Lim (1986–1987)
- William "Bogs" Adornado (1987–1988)
- Yoyoy Villamin (1988–1991)
- Jojo Lastimosa (1991–1999)
- Johnny Abarrientos (1993–2001)
- Kenneth Duremdes (2001–2003)
- John Arigo (2003–2004)
- Jeffrey Cariaso (2004–2010)
- Tony dela Cruz (2010–2016)
- Dondon Hontiveros (2013–2016, co-captain with Tony Dela Cruz)
- Calvin Abueva (2016–2018, co-captain with JVee Casio and RJ Jazul before Jazul left the team in 2017)[25]
- RJ Jazul (2016–2017, was co-captain with JVee Casio and Calvin Abueva)
- JVee Casio (2016–2021)
- Jeron Teng (2021–2022)
Retired numbers
[edit]Alaska Aces retired numbers | |||
N° | Player | Position | Tenure |
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6 | Jojo Lastimosa | G | 1991–2000 2002–2003[a] |
7 | Sonny Thoss | C | 2004–2019[b] |
14 | Johnny Abarrientos | G | 1993–2001[c] |
16 | Bong Hawkins | F | 1993–2000 2005–2006[c] |
20 | Sean Chambers | F | 1990–2001[d] |
22 | Jeffrey Cariaso | G | 1995–1997 2004–2010[e] |
33 | William "Bogs" Adornado | G | 1987–1988[f] |
Alaska Aces honored numbers | |||
N° | Player | Position | Tenure |
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30 | Eric Menk | C | 2014 – 2016 [g] |
35 | Tony dela Cruz | F | 2005 – 2017 [8] |
- a – retired during the opening of the 2003 season
- b – retired during halftime of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup
- c – retired during the Alaska 25th anniversary reunion last September 27, 2010
- d – retired after Chambers announced his retirement in the 2001 Governor's Cup
- e – retired during the semifinals of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference
- f – retired during the opening ceremonies of the 1988 PBA season
- g – honored during halftime of the 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup
- h – honored during halftime of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup
Coaches
[edit]- Tony Vasquez (1986)
- Cesar Jota (1986)
- Nat Canson (1987)
- Turo Valenzona (1987–1988)
- Bogs Adornado (1988–1989)
- Tim Cone (1989–2011)
- Joel Banal (2011–2012)
- Luigi Trillo (2012–2014)
- Alex Compton (2014–2019)
- Jeffrey Cariaso (2019–2022)
References
[edit]- ^ "Converge is newest PBA member after 11-0 board approval of Alaska sale". Spin.ph.
- ^ "New Faces in Play-for-Pay league". Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
- ^ "PBA: From milk to coffee, why Alaska at one point became known as Hills Bros". ABS-CBN News. February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ "Hills Bros. Not crying over spilt milk". Manila Standard.
- ^ "Ginebra tackles Great Taste". Manila Standard.
- ^ "Miller wants out of Alaska; Purefoods, Coca-Cola interested". GMA News and Public Affairs. July 10, 2009. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
- ^ Atayde, Aaron. "Five-Team Trade is Complete, LA Tenorio to Ginebra". www.slamonlineph.com. Slam Philippines. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
- ^ "ALASKA DEFENSE POWERS ACES TO 6–0 START IN PBA PHILIPPINE CUP". AlaskaAces.com.ph. AlaskaAces.com.ph. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ^ "ALASKA ACES DROP 78–85 DECISION TO BARAKO BULL". AlaskaAces.com.ph. AlaskaAces.com.ph. Archived from the original on January 6, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ^ a b Fernandez, Rhoel (November 12, 2015). "Alaska honors '30 greatest players' in franchise history to celebrate 30th year in PBA". Spin.ph. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "Alaska trades Cyrus Baguio to Phoenix - FOX SPORTS". Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- ^ "Chris Banchero says signing new three-year deal with Alaska an easy decision". Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
- ^ "Alaska leaves nothing to chance, dumps NLEX to clinch quarterfinal berth". Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
- ^ Ramos, Gerry (February 18, 2017). "Alaska Aces send RJ Jazul to Phoenix Fuel Masters for Simon Enciso". Archived from the original on March 6, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- ^ Catacutan, Dodo (February 16, 2022). "Alaska to bid the PBA goodbye at the end of the conference". spin.ph. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ Micaller, Bea (March 19, 2022). "NLEX ends road for Alaska, arranges semis showdown vs Ginebra". GMA News. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Li, Matthew (March 19, 2022). "PBA presses final buzzer on Alaska". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial". Dugout Philippines. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Joble, Rey (February 19, 2022). "Alaska is for sale but are there any takers?". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Co, Chris (March 13, 2022). "Dennis A. Uy bibilhin ang Alaska franchise?". Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Filipino). The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Ramos, Gerry (March 11, 2022). "Converge CEO Dennis Uy emerges as frontrunner in sale of Alaska's PBA franchise". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ Dioquino, Delfin (April 5, 2022). "Converge determined as bar set high for FiberXers in PBA foray". Rappler Philippines. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (March 19, 2022). "Cariaso hopes Alaska core kept as company in 'deep talks' to buy franchise". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "Holy Cow: Alaska mascot hoping to join bonus trip to Disney to meet idol Mickey". Spin.ph. May 24, 2013. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
- ^ INQUIRER.net (January 22, 2017). "Aces boost playoff hopes, oust Floodbuster". Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
External links
[edit]Awards and achievements | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by | PBA Third Conference Champions 1991 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | PBA Governors Cup Champions 1994–1997 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions 1996 1998 2000 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions 1996 1998 2013 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by San Miguel Beermen (1989)
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Grand Slam winners 1996 |
Succeeded by San Mig Super Coffee Mixers (2013–14)
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Preceded by Great Taste Coffee Makers (1984)
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PBA Invitational Conference Champions 2003 |
Succeeded by (last)
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Preceded by | PBA Fiesta Conference Champions 2007 2010 |
Succeeded by Barangay Ginebra Kings
(last) |