Cyrus Baguio has called it a career.

As reported by Spin, Baguio will not return for NLEX in the upcoming PBA season as he decided to retire, drawing the curtains on a stellar 17-year career highlighted by 3 titles.

Now 40 years old, Baguio said he is contented with how his career turned out and he wants to give younger players a chance.

“I’m not getting any younger. I see that there are a lot of younger players, so it is much better for me to give way to them,” Baguio told Rappler in a mix of Filipino and English.

“My prime has ended. I’ve been in the PBA for 17 years, that is already considered long for a player. I’m lucky to have lasted for 17 years. It is about time to rest.”

Baguio wanted a last hurrah with NLEX last season as he signed a one-conference contract, feeling the team had what it takes to win a Philippine Cup title – the only championship missing from his collection.

But due to the pandemic, Baguio – citing the need to tend to his business – did not join NLEX in the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga.

His contract expired in December 2020.

“I’m thankful to NLEX because they took care of me. They understood my situation,” Baguio said.

After an impressive stint with the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP, Baguio entered the PBA in 2003, with Red Bull acquiring him at 14th overall in the second round.

Baguio helped Red Bull win a PBA championship in 2006 and he won two more with Alaska in 2010 and 2013.

Known for his high-flying exploits and his ability to make difficult shots while in mid-air, the two-time Mythical Second Team member earned the moniker “Skyrus.”

“My 3 championships with Red Bull and Alaska are very memorable. My time with NLEX is also memorable – even if we did not win a title, we still bonded as brothers,” Baguio said.

“That is one thing that I will never forget in my career – that I gained a lot of friends.” – Rappler.com