MANILA, Philippines — Matapos ang limang taon na pamamahala sa Alaska bilang head coach ay nagdesisyon si team owner Wilfred Uytengsu na palitan si Alex Compton.
Inihayag kahapon ng Aces ang paghirang kay assistant Jeffrey Cariaso bilang kapalit ni Compton simula sa darating na 2019 PBA Governor’s Cup na magsisimula sa Setyembre 20.
“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 else to lead our Aces to our next championship,” wika ni Uytengsu.
Sa ilalim ng 46-anyos na si Compton ay nakapasok ang Alaska sa limang PBA Finals sa 15 conferences.
Huling umabante ang Aces sa championship series noong 2018 Governors’ Cup kung saan sila yumukod sa Magnolia Hotshots.
“I accepted his direction and have agreed to resign as head coach of the Alaska Aces. It has been an honor for me to coach such a storied franchise,” sabi ni Compton.
“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 ng American mentor na dating naglaro bilang second import ng Welcoat sa PBA noong 2007 at 2008 Fiesta Conference.
Umaasa naman ang 46-anyos na si Cariaso na magiging una siyang Alaska player na nagwagi ng PBA crown bilang player at head coach.
“I am honored for the opportunity, and genuinely humbled as I face the challenge,” ani Cariaso. “Certainly, I will give my best, nothing less.”
Ito ang ikalawang pagkakataon na magiging head coach ang seven-time PBA champion matapos giyahan ang Barangay Ginebra noong 2014 bilang kapalit ni Ato Agustin.
Siya ang No. 6 overall pick ng Alaska noong1995.