Looking at a familiar blue and yellow jersey, Harvey Carey just couldn’t help but look back to his days with the storied TNT franchise.

Pure-blooded TNT soldier Harvey Carey gets his jersey officially retired. (PBA Images)

For one, he spent all of his 17 years of colorful PBA career with the Tropang Giga franchise, and it was only understandable to become emotional and nostalgic as he got to see his jersey officially retired by the organization he dedicated his work and life with for a long time.

“I was blessed to play almost two decades in the PBA and none of that would not have been possible without the trust and confidence the management had in me,” said Carey during the brief jersey retirement ceremony in the halftime of the match between TNT and Meralco at the Ynares Sports Arena on Wednesday, June 28.

“Thank you boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) for taking a chance on an unknown kid back in 2003 and allowing me the privilege to spend my entire career with a classy franchise,” he added.

Carey was drafted by TNT fourth overall in 2003 and would eventually become one of the most reliable and valuable role players to his team and a pillar to franchise’s seven championships during his time.

His wife and kids along with former teammates Asi Taulava, Jared Dillinger, Donbel Belano, Jay Washington, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo, Patrick Fran, Troy Rosario, the entire TNT team joined Carey at the center court as he received the two framed jerseys from PBA Board chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas, along with commissioner Willie Marcial, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio.

He also thanked the fans who continuously supported him through ups and downs during his tenure with the team. 

"I was never in the national team. I was never the best player on our team, I was never a multiple All-Star," said Carey who was obviously refusing to be overcome by his emotions during the ceremony.

"But you guys always treated me (well), and made me feel like an MVP. I love you guys. Thank you, thank you PBA, thank you TNT."

Carey’s No. 4 jersey now joins the No. 3 jersey of long-time teammate and pal Jimmy Alapag as the only retired jersey so far by the TNT franchise.