After 17 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Filipino-American forward Harvey Carey finally hangs up his sneakers, TNT Tropang Giga announced on Monday, February 1.

Carey, 41, made the decision to make the definite transfer to join his family in San Francisco. He plans to do so after the last Philippine Cup bubble located in Clark, Pampanga, PhilStar reported.

“While management regrets losing Harvey, who has been a great teammate, who leads with example and has been part of TNT since he started his career and helped us win championships, we do fully understand and appreciate [his] motivation to stay with his family in the USA,” TNT governor Ricky Vargas said in a press release. “He has been a quiet pillar of strength in building the TNT culture.”

The 6-foot-3 Carey was part of the TNT team that garnered their first PBA crown in the All-Filipino game back in 2003.

“I am personally grateful to Harvey for his loyalty, honesty and contributions to the team,” Vargas continued. “He has been a quiet pillar of strength in building the TNT culture. We wish Harvey the very best as he moves on and our doors will always be open to Harvey. Thank you Harvey and stay in touch.”

In 2003, Carey won seven PBA titles with the PLDT franchise, and was selected fourth overall. He became part of the PBA Mythical Second Team that same year. The following year, he formed part of the All-Defensive Team. In 2011, he joined in the All-Star game.

Carey – along with Alvin Patrimonio – got second place for being the longest-tenured player as part of the Tropang Giga roster.

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