Cablay reunites with former team Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska, a team that has built a dynasty, is also known for collecting players with sentimental value. The likes of Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and Jeff Cariaso – all members of Alaska’s fabled 1996 grandslam team – have found themselves traded to other teams in one way or another in each of their careers but found themselves back to this great basketball organization. Lastimosa and Hawkins are now part of the Aces’ coaching staff. Juinio went back two seasons ago until he retired wearing an Alaska jersey before the start of the season while Cariaso is still very much in coach Tim Cone’s active roster. Add Brandon Cablay to the list of Alaska’s collection of old timers. Cablay, whose career was marred by injuries, has returned to the Aces after three seasons playing for San Miguel Beer and Purefoods. His entry will certainly provide the backcourt depth the Aces’ needed in the Motolite Philippine Basketball Associaion (PBA) Fiesta Conference, which opened Saturday in Dumaguete City. “Brandon is no stranger to our system," Cone told GMANews.TV. “He is an integral part of our Triangle Offense and he has played with such tremendous impact during his stint with our team in his rookie season until 2005. We definitely loved to have him back." Cablay was plucked out of semi-retirement. He last suited up for Purefoods last season, but his continuous battle with injuries forced him to sit out majority of the games until the Giants waived him. In search of a dependable guard to ease up the load on two-time most valuable player (MVP) Willie Miller and cerebral quarterback LA Tenorio, Alaska took a second chance of getting Cablay back. Alaska also gave priority on familiarity in selecting an import – Galen Young, who played for the team in the 2004-05 season. Young came in as a temporary reinforcement for the Aces as the team awaits Rosell Ellis, whose squad in the Australian league is still playing in the National Basketball League playoffs. Young took his new role professionally despite playing for the Aces on a temporary basis. “Its one thing that motivates me, I am back in the Philippines and I am happy to be back with Alaska," said Young. “I have no ill feelings toward San Miguel. They treated me well when I played for them. I just want to play well and give my best." – GMANews.TV