‘Basketball is not forever’: Doug Kramer set to retire after 12 years in PBA
Doug Kramer is hanging up his sneakers after more than a decade in the PBA. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Doug Kramer is calling it a career and he’s leaving the PBA with a full heart and a mind at peace.
Phoenix’ bruising big man announced on his Instagram account Thursday that he’ll retire after 12 years as a professional basketball player and he said that he’s ready to face the future outside the court.
“I’m leaving knowing I’m still healthy with no major injuries throughout my career. I don’t want to wait until my body is breaking down or until mentally I’m drained of the daily routine of training,” said Kramer in another post he made Friday. “I’m moving on because I choose to do so.”
“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 so much to do.”
Kramer is set to play his final game in the league with the Fuel Masters on Friday.
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Kramer was a one-time champion in the UAAP with Ateneo and in the PBA with San Miguel, where he was seen as the team’s glue guy.
In his dozen seasons in the PBA, the 6-foot-5 Kramer played for eight teams as a reliable big man either in the starting lineup or from the bench.
Despite suffering from a mild stroke in 2016, Kramer proved that he’s still one of the league’s finest players.
“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,” said Kramer. “I started this journey playing basketball in Baguio City and eventually made my move to Manila to play for Ateneo.”
Kramer said that he originally wanted to be part of the military but basketball pushed him into civilian life and the sport ultimately created his life’s path.
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It was in Ateneo where Kramer met his would-be wife Chesca Garcia, whom he’s made a family with their children Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin.
“Here’s a favorite quote of mine, ‘a wise man will make more opportunities than he finds,’” said Kramer quoting English philosopher Francis Bacon.
“I’m leaving knowing one thing, the ball is in my hands.”
