After his 12-year career in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), 36-year-old Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters’ forward Doug Kramer surprised his fans when he announced that he will retire as a professional basketball player.
Doug took to Instagram to share that his game against Blackwater Elite, in the Governors’ Cup last Friday, November 15, will be his last. He also clarified that he is healthy and is not suffering from any major injury and explained the reason behind this decision.
The 36-year-old PBA player started his post by saying that he is “retiring because he respects the game” and he also wants to give a chance to other players by giving up his slot in the professional ranks.
He continued, “It has given me so much, and my way of leaving is to give others a chance. My slot will be a dream come true for the next player up.
I’m leaving, knowing I’m still healthy, with no major injuries throughout my career. I don’t want to wait till my body is breaking down, or till mentally I’m drained of the daily routine of training. I’m moving on because I choose to do so.
9Basketball is not forever.
And I never made it become my only avenue. It’s very temporal. I’m 36 years young and still so much to do.”
The 6-foot-5 Phoenix forward went on to share that all the things he has learned and experienced throughout his basketball career mean so much to him as it led him to where he is right now.
“If it weren’t for basketball, I wouldn’t have seen much places. I’ve played all around the Philippines, some parts of Asia and even in the US. I started this journey playing basketball in Baguio City, and eventually made my move in Manila to play for Ateneo. That was 2002, 17 years ago!
If it weren’t for basketball, I probably would have joined the military, since that was the original plan mid high school, but things fell into place for basketball.
If it weren’t for basketball, I wouldn’t have been able to play for Ateneo in Manila and eventually meet Chesca in my sophomore year. No Chesca means no Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin. What a different life I would have led if it weren’t for this sport.
Lastly, If it weren’t for the Lord in my life, basketball and everything else wouldn’t make sense. I want to give God more opportunity to work in my life, and what better way than leaving my comfort zone. I’ll do what I can, God will do the rest.”
He ended his long post with one of his favorite quotes, “‘A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.’ So I’m leaving knowing one thing. The ball is in my hands. ?”
Doug Kramer played in eight different teams in his 12 years in the PBA. He started in 2007, where he was the 5th overall pick in the Rookie Draft by Air 21, he also played for Ginebra, Rain or Shine, Powerade, Barako Bull, Petron, GlobalPort and his current team since 2016, Phoenix.