Mar 14, 2019

Harvey Carey achieves a rare milestone for playing 700 games with TNT

WITHOUT a fuss, veteran big man Harvey Carey achieved a milestone of his own in TnT Katropa's last outing in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The 39-year-old forward became only the third player to suit up in a total of 700 games for just one ballclub.

Carey achieved the mark as he saw action in the Katropa's 127-89 rout of Blackwater at the Ynares Center in Antipolo during a Petron Blaze Saturday Special game.

He played a total of 11 minutes and finished with four points and four rebounds to cap his 700th game in the league.

Only four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio (Purefoods) and Mark Caguioa (Barangay Ginebra) were the two other players to see action in 700 games playing for one one ballclub.

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Carey considered the feat as a blessing.

"It's really fortunate that I have been pretty much injury-free except for my second year in the league," said Carey, selected no. 4 overall by TnT during the 2003 draft.

"It's a milestone and I just try to come in every day and just work hard."

Now in his 17th season with the telecommunication franchise, the product of Sonoma State said he didn't foresee himself playing this long for just one team, and more so, for embracing his job as a role player for the team.

"I'm very, very fortunate to stay with the franchise," he said.

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With the Katropa, Carey won a total of seven championships, became a member of the Mythical Second Team in his rookie season, adjudged part of the All-Defensive team in 2007, and was an All-Star in 2011.

Likewise, he is the only player left from the original champion team of TnT that won the 2003 Philippine Cup title.

For that long time he stayed with TnT, the Fil-Am forward said he's bound to retire with the team for good.

"I could never imagine myself playing for anybody else. I love TnT, I've grown roots with them, and hopefully, this is where I'm going to retire," he said.

The milestone didn't merit any financial bonus for Carey, saying just handshakes and congratulatory messages from officials and fellow teammates.

"That's just all that I want," he said with a smile.

Winning over Blackwater was more than enough satisfaction for him.

"The win of course means a lot," he said.(RG)