JEFFREY CARIASO
MATAPOS na magsilbing head coach ng Alaska Aces sa nagdaang 15 kumperensiya, nagbitiw na si Alex Compton at ang kanyang chief deputy na si Jeffrey Cariaso ang papalit sa kanyang puwesto.
“We are very sorry to see Alex leave the team. He had a tremendous impact on the team and was very concerned with the players’ well-being on and off the court,” sabi sa isang pahayag ng Alaska nitong Huwebes.
“We also share that winning (with integrity) is an important aspect of our team and are grateful that Alex stepped aside to pave the way for someone to lead the Aces to our next championship,” sabi ni Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu.
ALEX COMPTON
Isa na si Compton sa maituturing na mahusay na coach sa liga matapos pamunuan ang Aces sa limang Finals series sa limang taon niyang paghawak sa Alaska.
Maliban sa basketball, hinikayat din ni Compton ang mga manlalaro ng Alaska na lumahok sa mga iba’t ibang social event sa loob at labas ng hardcourt.
Sinabi ni Compton na tinanggap niya ang pakiusap ni Uytengsu na bumitaw sa kanyang puwesto at bigyan ng pagkakataon si Cariaso para hawakan ang Aces.
“Yesterday at his house, a man I deeply respect, Fred Uytengsu, sat down with me, looked me in the eye and asked me to step down,” sabi ni Compton sa isang pahayag. “I accepted his direction and have agreed to resign as head coach of the Alaska Aces.”
“It has been an honor to coach such a storied franchise. I have made great relationships and have a lot of love for people in the organization. Being a part of the Alaska family has meant a lot to me and my family, and we will always treasure our time with the Aces,” dagdag pa ni Compton.
Si Cariaso ay dating manlalaro ng Alaska at tinulungan niya ang koponan na mag-uwi ng PBA Grand Slam noong 1996.
Pinasalamatan din ni Cariaso si Uytengsu sa pagtitiwalang ipinagkaloob sa kanya bilang bagong head coach ng Aces.
“Truly a blessing to elevate into this level of leadership. I am honored for the opportunity and genuinely humbled as I face the challenge,” sabi ni Cariaso. “Thank you Sir Fred and management for the trust. Certainly I will give my best, nothing else.”