The Alaska Aces made sure that their farewell tour won’t end without honoring one of the pillars from the post-90s era.
Sonny Thoss became the seventh player to have his jersey retired by the Alaska franchise during halftime of the Aces’ match against the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots on Sunday, March 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Thoss received a framed replica of his No. 7 jersey from Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann during the ceremony also participated by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Magnolia governor Rene Pardo.
Also on hand were Thoss’ former teammates and coaches, including those who are no longer with the Alaska camp like Barangay Ginebra San Miguel mentor Tim Cone.
It felt more like a final gathering of individuals with links to the Alaska franchise, with this conference being the Aces' last before ending a 35-season run in the pro league.
But the man known as “The Boss” for the way he operates in the middle opted to focus on the good memories than dwell on the eventual departure of one of the PBA’s fabled franchises.
“Sadly, good things do come to an end. I know this is a very sad moment for a lot of people that this would be the last time we’ll be able to experience the Alaska Aces team in action,” Thoss said while concluding his speech.
“But we don’t have to leave sad, we hold our heads up high and proud to be a part of a company rich in integrity and success. The memories that were made in arenas like this will forever be cherished.”
Thoss spoke at center court of the Big Dome, the same area where he was able to celebrate two of his three championships during a 15-year career.
It was also where he won his only Finals Most Valuable Player back in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup.
Thoss joined Jojo Lastimosa, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Sean Chambers, Jeffrey Cariaso and Bogs Adornado in the list of players whose numbers were retired by the Aces.
Lastimosa and Abarrientos, on the other side serving as Magnolia assistant, also joined the group photo that came after the ceremony.