PBA veteran big man Doug Kramer has bid farewell to his 12-year career in basketball, saying he has still so much to do and prove outside the sport.
On Friday, the Phoenix cager explained his retirement through a lengthy Instagram post.
“I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I’m retiring because I respect the game,” he started.
“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,” he continued.
Kramer also said that he’s not retiring because of injuries, but because he chose to do so.
“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,” he said.
“Basketball is not forever,” Kramer imparted.
“And I never made it to become my only avenue. It’s very temporal. I’m 36 years young and still so much to do,” he added.
The Team Kramer’s headman also gave credit to basketball for opportunities to see places and meet his wife Chesca whom he has three kids with now.
“What a different life I would have led if it weren’t for this sport,” he said.
Kramer also shared that he would have been in the military, “but things fell into place for basketball.”
He added: “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.”
Kramer played his final PBA game last Friday. Aside from playing for Phoenix Fuel Masters, he also played for seven other teams including Air21, Barako Bull, Barangay Ginebra, NorthPort, Petron, Powerade and Rain or Shine.
