Purefoods player PJ Simon announced his retirement from basketball after more than a decade of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Simon shared the news on Instagram that it was the right for him to retire after 17 seasons of playing for Purefoods franchise in PBA.
“Nakakalungkot man pero ito na siguro ‘yung tamang panahon para magpaalam sa liga,” said Simon.
“Binigay ko yung 17 years ng buhay ko sa PBA, sa Magnolia Hotshots, at sa lahat ng fans but now it’s time to focus on my family. My wife is pregnant and gusto ko magkasama kami as we start a family,” he explained.
Simon also shared he had to return home to Davao after his father fell became and eventually passed away. He was not able to return to Manila because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sign na rin siguro ‘yun na ito na ‘yung tamang time para mag-retiro,” he said.
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Purefoods player PJ Simon announces retirement
PJ Simon initially wanted to retire at the end of the PBA’s 45th season. However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted all league activities in March. Simon decided not play anymore even if PBA would resume the season in October.
Simon helped Purefoods win eight championships, including a Grand Slam in the 2014 season. PJ Simon was an eight-time All-Star and established himself as one of the best Sixth Men in the PBA.
“Hindi ko inakalang posible pala para sa isang payat at maliit na bata mula sa Makilala, North Cotabato na makarating sa PBA. Hindi ko rin inakala na pagkatapos hindi mapansin nung 2001 PBA Rookie Draft na posible pa pala mag-iwan ng sarili kong marka sa liga,” said Simon.
He thanked the Purefoods franchise and San Miguel Corp. head honcho Ramon S. Ang for trusting him, and to the fans who have always supported him and the team.
“Umaasa ako na na magkikita-kita tayo sa panahon na iretiro ang aking numero. This is PJ Simon, The SuperSub, Your Scoring Apostle, signing out,” he said.
Purefoods already announced that they will retire PJ Simon’s No. 8 jersey.