Dondon Hontiveros. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It’s no secret that this season could be Dondon Hontiveros’ last.
Hontiveros, Alaska’s veteran swingman, has been vocal about it since the Aces lost to the San Miguel Beermen in Game 7 of the 2016 Philippine Cup.
“Emotionally, I’m drained,” Hontiveros said three months ago, shortly after the Beermen completed the greatest comeback in PBA history.
Fast forward to present day on the eve of Game 6 of Alaska’s title showdown with Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup, Hontiveros is getting closer to his farewell and he knows it.
“They (Rain or Shine) they have all the motivation to win. Ang sa amin lang especially sa amin ni Tony (dela Cruz), ni Eric (Menk), we won’t be given another chance again. Hindi natin masasabi,” said Hontiveros.
Hontiveros turns 39 on the first day of June, Tony dela Cruz is 37 and Eric Menk is 41. This season could very well be their last whether Alaska wins another championship or not.
“Last year na namin ‘to. We’ve been reminding the other guys, the young guys especially, na it might happen to them in the future, so might as well grab this opportunity and not take anything for granted,” Hontiveros said.
Alaska has made the finals in four of the last five conferences, losing thrice to San Miguel and now on the verge of falling short anew, down, 2-3.
The Aces could’ve folded the moment they trailed 0-3, but they just wouldn’t. They’ve won two straight to make things interesting and make it even more possible for them to win another one to pave the way for a Game 7.
Alaska certainly wants a championship, but for now, Hontiveros, nearing the end of a celebrated career, is contented with just having a chance.
“Masarap magkaroon ng opportunity na manalo especially patapos na so we’re just going to make the most out of it.”