The TNT Tropang Giga announced on Monday morning that veteran forward Harvey Carey is calling it a career after 17 seasons. Carey, 41, joined the team inside the bubble in Clark, Pampanga late last year.
His career is the second-longest stint with one team, which is tied with Alvin Patrimonio for Purefoods and just behind Mark Caguioa's 18 seasons for Ginebra, according to league head statistician Fidel Mangonon III. In his 729 games for the TNT franchise, Carey averaged 6.4 points on 49.5% field goal shooting, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.
PBA Chairman and TNT team governor Ricky Vargas thanked the Fil-Am forward for his contributions to the team, including a key role in seven championship teams.
"While management regrets losing Harvey, who has been a great teammate, who leads by example and has been part of TNT Tropang GIGA since he started his career and helped us win championships. We do fully understand and appreciate the motivation of Harvey to stay with his family in the USA," said Vargas in a statement.
"I am personally grateful to Harvey for his loyalty, honesty and contributions to the team. He has been a quiet pillar of strength in building the TNT culture," he added.
"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," closed the statement.
In his last elimination round for the Tropang Giga, Carey played 4 out of 11 possible games, with averages of 0.5 points and 1.75 rebounds.
The 6'3 forward out of Sonoma State University was selected fourth overall by the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals in 2003, and was named to the PBA Mythical Second Team in the same year.
He was also part of the 2011 PBA All-Star Game, and was a member of the league's All-Defensive Team in 2007.