MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots guard Peter June Simon believes this year is the right time for him to retire from professional basketball regardless of the destiny of suspended 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.
The 39-year-old gunner from Makilala, Cotabato said he only signed a six-month contract with the franchise during the offseason as he already planned to hang his jersey at the age of 40.
“Ito na talaga ‘yung time. Handang-handa na ako. Nag-set ako ng goal na maglalaro ako sa PBA until 40 ako.” said Simon during 2OT podcast interview recently.
The eight-time PBA champion added he is thankful and blessed to have lasted 17 years in the league despite having a rough start.
Simon was drafted by the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the 2001 PBA Rookie Draft but was left unsigned. He only got a shot to ball for the team when he was signed by then head coach Ryan Gregorio (RG) in 2004.
“Na-discover ni coach RG na free agent ako. By that time na-draft na nila (Purefoods) sila James Yap and Paul Artadi, naglalaro pa lang ako sa (Philippine Basketball League). Pero nag-uusap na kami,” Simon recalled.
Simon became an integral part of Purefood’s rotation when he came on board in 2004, be it as a sixth man player for Gregorio or as a starter during the time of then head coach Tim Cone where the franchise won a grand slam.
Magnolia was supposed to have a jersey retirement ceremony for Simon during their scheduled Philippine Cup matchup with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings last May 10./PN
