TERRAFIRMA coach Johnedel Cardel has fond memories of Alaska, having been drafted by the Uytengsu-owned franchise in the 1993 PBA Draft and playing for it until the next season.
"Marami akong magagandang memories doon. Nag-champion muna kami sa Guam (Invitational) nu'ng 1993 then nanalo rin kami nu'ng 1994 (Governors' Cup)," reminisced Cardel Friday.
"Marami nga akong pictures ng time ko doon and pati 'yung Alaska jersey ko naka-frame pa sa bahay. Mamaya mag-po-post ako ng pictures ko with Alaska,parang tribute na rin."
Cardel himself has to put such a trip down memory lane on hold, however, as he and his Dyip are out to foil the Aces Saturday in the Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Following a come-from-behind 109-103 win over Blackwater last Saturday, Terrafirma is looking for a second straight win that would jack its record to 3-4 and enhance its chances of advancing to the next round.
For its part, Alaska is gunning for a third straight win and a fitting follow up to its 80-74 decision over Rain or Shine just last Thursday that kicked off the Aces' farewell tour in the league.
Cardel knows all too well that going out with a bang is Alaska's main motivation, but his side has its own as well. "Trabaho lang naman ito kasi kailangang manalo para magkaka-tsansa kaming pumasok sa quarterfinals," he explained.
"Hindi madali, kasi nga nanalo sila kagabi so mataas ang kompiyansa nila," added Cardel. "Import nila malakas, malakas local lineup nila at saka last conference na nila kaya bigay-todo na talaga sila.
"Pero pipilitin talaga naming maitawid, kasi din nga Meralco at Ginebra susunod naming games. Mabibigat iyon kaya kailangan may baong panalo."
Although Aldrech Ramos may be seeing limited minutes due to an ankle sprain he suffered in practice, Terrafirma still has Antonio Hester, Philip Cahilig, Juami Tiongson, Joshua Munzon and JP Calvo to lead its charge.(PBA)
(Photo credits to: X Games)