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    Alaska legend Johnny A proud to be part of 'Team of the 90s'

    'Part of being me as a Johnny A, kalahati 'nun Alaska'
    Feb 16, 2022
    PHOTO: PBA Images

    IN just a flick of a finger, Johnny Abarrientos knew instantly what his fondest memory was while still playing for Alaska.

    “Siguro yung 1996,” he said without batting an eyelash.

    Career and personal-wise, it was truly a banner season for the Flying A.

    “I won the MVP, we won the grand slam. Yun yung best year for me as a player,” said Abarrientos. “It’s [also] my wedding year, tapos ang daming awards, ang daming accomplishments, ang daming achievements. Nothing you can ask for nung year na yun. Parang overwhelmed, para kang nasa Cloud 9 talaga.

    “Really, yun ang naaalala ko pag sinabi mong Alaska.”

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      The now Magnolia assistant coach began his pro career at Alaska as the team’s first round pick at No. 3 overall during the 1993 draft.

      He eventually became the catalyst of coach Tim Cone’s famed Triangle Offense and won nine championships with the team from 1993 to 2000.

      Grateful Johnny A

      In a way, Abarrientos said he owes his PBA career to the franchise.

      “Part of being me as a Johnny Abarrientos, kalahati nun Alaska. I started there. They gave me a chance, they believed in me, they trusted in me,” he said.

      “Very blessed ako na naging part ako ng journey ng what they called as the ‘Team of the 90s.’

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      PHOTO: PBA Images
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