Doug Kramer yesterday announced his retirement from basketball.
Kramer said he was already on his last practice for his last game in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
In a long Facebook post, Kramer explained why he was leaving the basketball scene.
“I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I’m retiring because I respect the game,” Kramer said.
“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,” Kramer added, dismissing speculations that an injury could’ve been the reason for his decision.
The basketball star also has a simple reminder to aspiring players: “Basketball is not forever. And I never made it to become my only avenue. It’s very temporal. I’m 36 years young and still has so much to do.”
He also recalled how much basketball changed his life.
“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,” he said.
Kramer added that if he didn’t join basketball he would’ve joined the military as originally planned. He also said that without basketball he wouldn’t be able to meet his wife Cheska.
“If it weren’t for basketball, I wouldn’t have been able to play for Ateneo in Manila and eventually meet Chesca on my sophomore year. No Chesca means no Kendra, Scarlett and Gavin,” he said.
“What a different life I would have led if it weren’t for this sport,” he added.
