TNT’s forward Harvey Carey (Courtesy of PBA Images)
MANILA – Harvey Carey, one of Talk ‘N Text’s key players during all of its championship runs, is retiring from the Philippine Basketball Association after 17 seasons.
The Tropang Giga's team manager, Gabby Cui, confirmed the development on Monday.
"We would like to thank Harvey for everything he has done for TNT Tropang Giga. He has been a consummate leader, proven winner, great teammate and an excellent basketball player," Cui said through a social media post.
Tagged as the "mystery man" of his draft class, the Tropang Giga selected Carey as the fourth overall pick of the 2003 draft.
Carey, along with fellow first round pick Jimmy Alapag, provided the needed help for then top guy Asi Taulava for the PLDT franchise as the club won its first regular championship, the 2003 Philippine Cup title.
Carey, although falling short to Alapag in the Rookie of the Year race, would be named into the Mythical Second Team of that same season.
Known as a defensive stalwart, the 41-year-old TNT’s forward posted his best offensive performance during the 2007 season, scoring 11.4 points and 1.5 assist a game.
But his stopping prowess, although not reflected in the stats (7.6 rebounds, 0.4 steal, and 0.2 block a night), was too glaring enough that he was named to the All-Defensive Team of that year.
He would earn an All-Star call-up in 2011.
He is ending his career which netted him seven titles with averages of 6.9 points and 6.7 rebounds, eventually entering the 2,000 Defensive Rebounds and 1,000 Offensive Rebounds Clubs.
"For 19 years he has been the epitome of a true professional. We wish Harv well as he moves on with the new chapter in his life," Cui further said.
He added that Carey can return to TNT on another capacity.
"Our doors will always be open to Harvey," Cui quipped. (PNA)
