'The Boss' officially hangs playing jersey

'The Boss' officially hangs playing jersey

'The Boss' officially hangs playing jersey
PBA

'The Boss' officially hangs playing jersey

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THE Alaska franchise officially retired the jersey of the player who remained an Ace all throughout his PBA career.

Big man Sonny Thoss had his no. 7 uniform honored by the organization on Sunday in the presence of former and current mainstays of the team.

Thoss was presented with his framed red Alaska jersey at halftime of the Aces' Governors' Cup game against the Magnolia Hotshots before a sizeable crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Commissioner Willie Marcial, Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann, and Magnolia counterpart Rene Pardo accompanied the 40-year-old center at midcourt during the presentation, where Thoss made a brief speech by thanking the people who made his 15-year stay with the franchise possible.

"This is definitely not an easy situation to be in, but after watching clips, seeing old teammates, there's one word that comes to my mind - blessed. I'm truly blessed to have each and one of you guys. I'm truly honored and grateful to each and one of you," said Thoss, selected by the Aces as their first round pick at no. 5 during the 2004 draft.

"This journey wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for my teammates, coaches that I had the privileged to work with. As the Alaska Aces saying goes, 'We Not Me.'

Thoss came along with his wife and two children.

Coach Tim Cone, now with Barangay Ginebra, but the man who selected Thoss in the draft 18 years ago, joined the tribute at centercourt that turned out to be a mini-reunion too, among former Alaska players.

Among the ex-Aces in attendance include Jojo Lastimosa, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, LA Tenorio, Joe Devance, Calvin Abueva, JVee Casio, John Ferriols, Topex Robinson, Ali Peek, Paolo Bugia, Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, Chris Banchero, and Raffy Reyes.

Team owner Wilfred Uytengsu also made a short video message expressing gratitude for the 6-foot-7 Thoss' decision to play his entire career with the company.

Thoss' agent and representative Charlie Dy was also around.

A 12-time All-Star and two-time Mythical First Team, Thoss won three championships with Alaska, including its last league title during the 2013 Commissioner's Cup, when he was also named Finals MVP.

Thoss likewise had stints with Gilas Pilipinas and was part of the unit that finished runner up to China during the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship in Changsha, China. (RG)(PBA)

(Photo credits to: PBA)