Marcial insists Alaska not leaving PBA; Aces ready if league resumes

BY JONAS TERRADO

As far as the PBA is concerned, the Alaska Aces have no plans of leaving the pro league.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial made this pronouncement after renewed gossips that one of the league’s longest-tenured teams is up for sale.

“Di ko alam san galing yun, pero pitong taon ko nang naririnig na aalis ang Alaska sa PBA,” Marcial said during Tuesday’s online session of the PSA Forum.

“Sa pagkakaalam ko, wala. Hindi aalis ang Alaska sa PBA as of now,” he added.

Marcial also said Team Governor Dickie Bachmann laughed off the rumors, even adding that the Alaska official has been nothing but active regarding league matters.

Alaska management later issued out a statement, though it made no direct mention about the rumors.

“Alaska is eager for the season to resume and will be ready for battle,” Alaska said as part of an eight-paragraph statement.

“More importantly, Alaska is staying the course to show that our team will always contribute to the welfare of the league, and be part of the good to make a better world through our passion for basketball.”

Alaska joined the PBA in 1986 and is currently the third oldest team behind San Miguel Beer (1975) and Barangay Ginebra (1979).

The franchise owned by Fred Uytengsu has won 14 championships, including the 1996 Grand Slam under coach Tim Cone.