Doug Kramer retires after 12 years in PBA

Phoenix Pulse forward Doug Kramer will play his final game in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on Friday.

The 36-year-old big man announced his retirement through his social media accounts, posting a photo of his last practice with the Fuel Masters.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I'm retiring because I respect the game. 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. . 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. 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. . 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. I started this journey playing basketball in Baguio City, and eventually made my move in Manila to play for Ateneo. That was 2002, 17 years ago! . If it weren't for basketball, I probably would have joined the military, since that was the original plan mid high school, but things fell into place for basketball. . If it weren't for basketball, I wouldn't have been able to play for Ateneo in Manila and eventually meet Chesca on my sophomore year. No Chesca means no Kendra, Scarlett and Gavin. What a different life I would have led if it weren't for this sport. . 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. . To end, here's a favorite quote of mine. "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." . So I'm leaving knowing one thing. The ball is in my hands. ????

A post shared by Doug Kramer (@dougkramer) on

Nov 14, 2019 at 7:00pm PST

Kramer explained his decision to hang it up in a later post, clarifying that he was not hampered by any injuries.

"I don't want to wait till my body is breaking down, or till mentally I'm drained of the daily routine of training," he said. "I'm moving on because I choose to do so."

Kramer also said he wants to give other players a chance by giving up his spot in the professional ranks.

"I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I'm retiring because I respect the game," he said. "My slot will be a dream come true for the next player up."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last practice before my final game tomorrow in the PBA. . Yes. I'm retiring after 12 years in the pros. . I'll explain in depth soon why I'm hanging it up. And no, it's not injuries, I'm healthy as ever! So blessed to be able enjoy this game dating back 17 yrs ago 2002 in Ateneo as a Blue Eagle. There's still so much to do, I'm 36 yrs young and got so much to prove and make an impact outside of basketball. To my brothers in the PBA, and my brothers in the Phoenix @fuelmasters, it's this brotherhood I'll miss. ?????? So here's a little Team Biceps flex to remember me by. ????

A post shared by Doug Kramer (@dougkramer) on

Nov 13, 2019 at 10:07pm PST

Kramer played for the Ateneo de Manila University in college. He was drafted by Air21 Express fifth overall in 2007.

He also had stints with Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, Powerade, Barako Bull, San Miguel Beer, and GlobalPort Batang Pier.

Phoenix Pulse will face Blackwater Elite on Friday. Both teams are already out of playoff contention. — RSJ, GMA News