Don Allado retires after 16-year PBA career

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran big man Don Allado has called it a day after 16 years in the PBA, he announced on his Twitter account Wednesday, November 25.

“I am officially announcing my retirement from playing professional basketball,” Allado wrote after first expressing gratitude to everyone who became part of his journey. “Been blessed to have 16 years of pure bliss. The journey continues.”

Allado, 38, retired with the Purefoods Star Hotshots (now just Star Hotshots), which picked him up before the start of the 2014-2015 PBA season. The former DLSU Green Archer reunited then with his old coach Tim Cone, with whom he won a title with Alaska in 2003. He stayed 7 years in Alaska. 

Allado, a student of the triangle offense, was a direct hire by Alaska in 1999 and played for Talk ‘N Text, Air21, B-Meg (now Star), Barako Bull, and Meralco throughout his career. 

“16 years ago today, I embarked on a journey in professional basketball not knowing what would be in store for me. The memories of perseverance, hard work, discipline, preparation, victories, setbacks & adventures will forever be engraved in my heart,” he said in his statement.

“This sport that I love has given me a life of discipline along with special people that have guided me in my success not only as a player but as an individual with substance.” 

The 6-foot-6 Allado is a 3-time PBA All-Star and was a member of the Mythical First Team in 2002 as well as the Mythical Second Team in 2003. His career averages are 7.53 points, 5.62 rebounds, and 1.23 assists in 612 total games played.

In his career, Allado was involved in one big controversy when he was fined Php 500,000 and suspended for one conference in 2012 after he went on a Twitter tirade where he accused the PBA of “game fixing.”

He later apologized for what he said and deleted the tweets. He signed on with Barako Bull in his return. — Rappler.com