After 18 seasons, Mark Caguioa is not over yet

CLARK FREEPORT – Mark Caguioa isn’t planning on hanging up his jersey anytime soon, and that’s because of his loving fans who have supported him in his 18 seasons so far in the PBA.

On Sunday night at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center powered by Smart 5G, the 40-year-old guard from Barangay Geneva surpassed Alvin Patrimonio and Harvey Carey as the longest-serving player in a single franchise.

The 2001 Rookie of the Year saw six minutes 35 seconds of action as the Kings beat Meralco 105-91 for their third consecutive Philippine Cup victory.

“Actually, I don’t even know (record). I just want to thank the fans. It’s the fans who let me know, it seems like I’m having a hard time retiring. It’s for them. They keep me going, ”said Caguioa, who had two points and two rebounds.

The former league MVP said solid “kabarangays” are always on his mind even though they are only watching from the five LED panels installed in the AUF gym or from the comfort of their homes.

Caguiao admitted getting excited at the thought of leaving the franchise where he held eight championships and three goalscoring titles.

“I just don’t want to say goodbye yet. I mean this, just thinking about retiring makes me very sad, emotional, you know, tears come to my eyes, ”he said.

“I just want you to know that I do, yeah, I get sad and I don’t want to think about it now. But I know that sooner or later that day will come. ”

Geneva coach Tim Cone said management and coaching staff also wanted “The Spark” to stay.

“We knew he was coming back. We wanted him back because we know what kind of man he is. It will only make us better. He is going to improve young players ”.