At 40, Flying A says he's not over the hill

MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Abarrientos, at 40, is not about to call it quits yet.

“God’s will, I want to play one more season. I will wait (for a call) in the coming Philippine Cup. If it doesn’t come, then I’ll retire,” said Abarrientos, standing tallest in a gathering of Alaska players past and present during the franchise’s 25th anniversary at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati Tuesday night.

“(My status is) reserve/coaching staff. I’m still working out with the team. I’m an on-call reserve and I’m really hoping that I can still play,” said the 1996 PBA MVP on his present status with Barangay Ginebra.

Abarrientos and good friend Olsen Racela of San Miguel Beer are both hoping to join an elite cast of players whose career lasted in their 40s. In the roster are Sonny Jaworski, Abet Guidaben, Ramon Fernandez, Yoyoy Villamin and Terry Saldana.

As it is, the diminutive player – a winner from his collegiate days at FEU – has already achieved everything there is to accomplish.

He got another feather on his cap as his No. 14 Alaska jersey and Bong Hawkins’ No. 16 were retired by the ball club in a glittering ceremony highlighting the toast to the Uytengsu franchise’s silver anniversary.

“I’m so happy. I won’t deny that I’d waited for this moment. I’m thankful the team also showed their appreciation for my contribution to the organization,” said Abarrientos.

Abarrientos’ and Hawkins’ jerseys were the fifth and sixth jerseys to be retired at Alaska after those of Bogs Adornado, Sean Chambers, Jojo Lastimosa and Jeff Cariaso.

“That’s a great honor that gave me so much satisfaction,” said Abarrientos who had wished to end his career with Alaska.

“I’m really satisfied now. Before, I had my regrets as I was hoping to play my last game with Alaska. I’ve realized that it’s impossible to happen now. They’re loaded in the coaching staff and their players are doing so well,” Abarrientos said.

He had his best years in the pros with Alaska, which he helped win the bulk of its championships in the 90s, including the Triple Crown in 1996.

Last year, he’s already the league’s oldest active player, playing 14 games and showing he’s still capable of putting in points, dishing out assists, taking steals and even getting rebounds nearing the age of 40.

Through 17 PBA seasons, Abarrientos was No. 1 in the league’s all-time most steals list, fourth in the all-time most assists ranking and inside the Top 20 in all-time scoring ladder.

It’s probably safe to say he’s bound to make the league’s Hall of Fame.