TNT Retires Former Tropang Giga Player Harvey Carey’s Jersey

TNT Tropang Giga, one of the most prominent teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), paid tribute to Harvey Carey by retiring his jersey number 4 in a poignant ceremony, Wednesday, June 28.

This special event took place during the halftime break of the TNT-Meralco game in the PBA On Tour at the esteemed Ynares Sports Arena.

The presentation of the framed jerseys in TNT’s iconic yellow and blue colors was a meaningful gesture made by PBA Board chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas, along with commissioner Willie Marcial and SBP president Al S. Panlilio.

The presence of Carey’s former teammates, including basketball luminaries such as Asi Taulava, Jared Dillinger, Donbel Belano, Jay Washington, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo, Patrick Fran, Troy Rosario, and the entire TNT team, added a sense of camaraderie and unity to the occasion.

The ceremony was made even more special as Carey’s wife and son stood proudly by his side, supporting him every step of the way.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Carey took the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to the entire TNT franchise, the league, and the fans who supported him unconditionally throughout his illustrious 17-year playing career. 

With tears welling in his eyes, Carey humbly acknowledged that he was never part of the national team, never the team’s best player, and never a multiple All-Star. 

However, he emphasized that the unwavering love and support he received from the TNT family and fans made him feel like an MVP. It was a testament to the immense impact he had on the team and the genuine respect he garnered from his peers.

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-3, Carey was drafted by the TNT franchise in the first round of the 2003 PBA draft. From the very beginning, he proved to be an invaluable asset to the team, renowned for his tenacious defense and remarkable offensive skills. Throughout his illustrious career, Carey celebrated seven championships, all achieved with the Tropang Giga, making him an integral part of the team’s success. 

His stellar performances earned him recognition as a one-time All-Star, a Second Mythical Team member, and a member of the All-Defensive team, further solidifying his place as one of the league’s elite players.

Carey’s retirement came in 2021, marking the end of his professional career. His final season with the Tropang Giga took place during the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga. As he bid farewell to the sport, his unwavering dedication and commitment to the team left an indelible mark on the franchise and endeared him to fans throughout the country.

By retiring Carey’s jersey number, TNT Tropang Giga immortalizes his legacy within the organization. The jersey’s ascension to the rafters serves as a constant reminder of his unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and the lasting impact he had on the team’s success. 

With his retirement, Carey joins his close friend and former MVP, Jimmy Alapag, as the only other TNT player to have his jersey retired by the franchise.

As the crowd applauded and Carey’s jersey took its rightful place among the TNT greats, the ceremony concluded with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration. Harvey Carey’s jersey retirement symbolizes not only his remarkable achievements but also the values of loyalty, commitment, and passion that he embodied throughout his career. 

The legacy of Harvey Carey will forever be etched in the annals of the TNT Tropang Giga, serving as a constant reminder of his remarkable contributions to the team’s success and his enduring impact on the sport of basketball in the Philippines.