Cariaso leaves on a jet plane

[Check out YouTube:Alaska Heartthrob JOHN FERRIOLS]

A few days ago Jeffrey THE JET Cariaso and his family flew home to San Francisco, USA for an extended vacation. Fans need not fret though because he will be back in a few weeks just in time for the pre-season camp of the Alaska Aces in preparation for the next PBA season.

Thirty five year old Cariaso took the well earned vacation after completing his 14th PBA season but you would not have known it from just watching him play this past 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference.

He does not have as much punch and explosiveness in his first step or take flight as often but he shoots just as well from any distance from the court. He can still take it strong to the hoop and finish with flourish. He can also still shadow the top gun of the opposing team.

Jeff is assuming a different role with the team, said Alaska COO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu. He is still the team captain. But he has taken on more of a leadership role. He doesn’t just play and leads by example he also talks to his teammates and gives veteran advice especially to the younger players.

The way Cariaso plays has also changed over the years. From the being the slasher and lockdown defender during his first tour of duty with Alaska, he has mellowed over the years. Nowadays he also serves as senior player and role model to his teammates.

He is still called the Jet but you don’t see his high-flying moves as much, said Uytengsu. But he is still a good player. He still has a role to play with Alaska. That is why we welcomed him back to the team.

Cariaso joined the Aces in 1995 and he was with the team when they won the PBA Grand Slam in 1996. He went on to play for the Talk N Text Phone Pals, Tanduay and the Coca-Cola Tigers.

Playing for Alaska is truly special, says Cariaso. I have played for three other PBA teams but many basketball fanatics actually think I never left Alaska. Being a part of that 1996 Grand Slam has embedded in the minds of people that I have been with Alaska throughout my whole career.

Right now the focus of Cariaso and the other Aces is to win that elusive 13th PBA title for the Alaska Aces.

Cariaso said a return to the top is inevitable not only because of the hard work of the players and the coaching staff but also because of the direction and support provided by Alaska management.

While he is one with the Aces in eyeing another PBA title Cariaso could not help but look back at the previous titles he has won with the Aces.

I started with the Alaska Aces, said Cariaso. Out of the five championships I have won with the Aces, the very first championship is very special to me. That was the third conference of my rookie year. We made the finals in the previous two conferences but lost to Sunkist two times. So to finally win my first-ever championship in the PBA was meaningful, said Cariaso.

And no doubt Cariaso would like to win more championships with the Aces, starting with the coming All-Filipino Conference set to start in two months.