Should the PBA resume with the Philippine Cup later this year, Alaska Aces veteran center Sonny Thoss is not likely to join his team, a source said Thursday.
Alaska restarted team practice last Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops gym in Mandaluyong City minus Thoss, who informed management and the coaching staff of his plans.
“If there is still COVID-19, Sonny will not play. His concern is his family and management (of Alaska) understands that. But if, let’s say there is a vaccine by next month… we’ll see,” said the source.
The same source said the 38-year-old player isn’t closing the possibility of playing his final conference with the team that selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2004 PBA Rookie Draft.
Thoss, the source said, could skip playing this season but is open to coming back next year for one last conference if the health situation improves and the threat of COVID-19 is no longer there.
“He wants to play but under normal circumstances. Not the kind of he’ll go out, then return home – there’s the risk of bringing home the virus to his family, which is what he’s trying to avoid.”
Prior to this season, Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso said Thoss has agreed to play a “farewell tournament.” Then the coronavirus outbreak happened.
Alaska governor Richard Bachmann said they continue to talk with Thoss but isn’t looking beyond that.
“Sonny will not be joining the Aces on court practices for now,” said Bachmann in a message last Wednesday. “His contract is expiring at the end of August and he is planning to retire.”