LIMANG taon na natuldukan ang samahan ni coach Alex Compton at Alaska management.
Sa mensaheng ipinadala ni team owner Fred Uytengsu, pormal na ipinahayag ang nitong Huwebes ang pagbibitiw ni Compton bilang head coach ng ‘second winnigest team sa PBA’.
“We are very sorry to see Alex leave the team,” pahayag ni Uytengsu.
“We also share the winning (with integrity) an important aspect of our team and are grateful that Alex stepped aside to pave the way for someone else to lead the Aces to our next championship,” aniya.
Kaagad namang pinangalanan si dating player at assistant coach Jeff Cariaso bilang bagong mentor ng koponan sa gaganaping Governor’s Cup.
Ayon kay Uytengsu, nagkaroon ng masinsinang pag-uusap ang management at si Compton at kapwa kombinsido ang magkabilang kampo na kailangan ang malawakang pagbabago sa koponan upang makabil sa winning form.
“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,” pahayag ni Compton.
“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. I have made great relationships and have a lot of love for people in the organization. Being part of the Alaska family has meant a lot to me and my family, and we will always treasure our time with the Aces.”
Umentrang coach ng Alaska si Compton noong May 2014 matapos magbitiw si coach Luigi Trillo.
Sa pangangasiwa ni Compton, umusad ang Aces sa Finals sa limang conference, ngunit bigong magtagumpay.
Nagpasalamat naman si Cariaso sa pagkakapili sa kanyang bilang bagong coach ng Alaska.
“Truly a blessing to elevate into this level of leadership. I am honored for the opportunity, and genuinely humbled as I face the challenge,” pahayag ni Cariaso. “Certainly, I will give my best, nothing less.”
-Waylon Galvez