PBA IMAGES
Call it a triumph of God’s grace for Doug Kramer.
After suffering from a heart ailment back in November, Kramer made his return on Saturday in Game 1 of Phoenix’s quarterfinals duel against Star.
The 33-year-old Kramer played 22 minutes off the bench in his first game back after suffering from a mild stroke.
Though the Fuel Masters lost to the Hotshots, 114-83, the former Ateneo big man could only feel grateful as he gets to continue his basketball career.
“For me, whatever’s happening to me is God’s grace. I wasn’t even supposed to come out this early, but God’s grace allowed me to really be able to comeback and I give all credit to God,” he said.
“I was very weak when this happened, but I can see that God’s strength is working in my life.”
Kramer last played four months ago and shared he played extra cautious while trying to give his all for the Fuel Masters.
“I was very nervous when I came in here because I haven’t played for four months. I haven’t had a tuneup game, so I caught myself flat-footed out there,” he said. “I still have to adjust to my teammates. A lot of times that I could have helped, I was still slow on my legs.”
But it still was a decent comeback nonetheless as Kramer nearly posted a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds.
“I know I can build off something. In my head, I just wanted to rebound and try to get my confidence from there,” he said.
With his confidence slowly coming back, Kramer is positive that he will regain his peak form and Phoenix can force a decider on Monday.
“There’s still a lot of adjustment that I need to do, helping my teammates and closing out. This is still a feeling out process for me, but as long as we keep it close, we still have a chance,” he said.