IT was a fitting honor to one of the most trusted and loyal personnel in TNT franchise history.
The Tropang Giga formally retired Harvey Carey's jersey no. 4 on Wednesday as tribute to the man who spent his entire 17-year career playing for the team.
The event was held at halftime of the TNT-Meralco game in the PBA On Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Two framed jerseys bearing the TNT colors yellow and blue were handed to Carey by PBA Board chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas, along with commissioner Willie Marcial, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio.
Former TNT teammates such as Asi Taulava, Jared Dillinger, Donbel Belano, Jay Washington, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo, Patrick Fran, Troy Rosario, the entire TNT team and other personnel from the MVP group were in attendance during the ceremony, where Carey was accompanied by his wife and son.
Sponsored content:
Carey expressed his gratitude to the entire TNT franchise, the league, and the fans for the support he received during his entire playing career.
"I was never in the national team. I was never the best player on our team, I was never a multiple All-Star," said a teary-eyed Carey.
"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."
The 6-foot-3 product of Sonoma State was the first round pick of the TNT franchise in the 2003 draft who would become an integral part of the team for his hard-nosed defense and uncanny offense.
In all, he won a total of seven championships in a 17-year career with TNT, the only franchise he played for in the PBA.
Sponsored content:
Carey was also a one-time All-Star, a Second Mythical Team member, and also a member of the All-Defensive team.
He retired in 2021 after playing his last season with the Tropang Giga during the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
Carey is the second TNT player whose jersey will be retired by the franchise after good friend and former MVP Jimmy Alapag. (RG)
