The Rocket out.

Phoenix veteran JC Intal finally hung up his spurs from basketball following a 13-year career in the PBA.

“After two decades of playing the sport I love, 13 years of which in the PBA, I am officially announcing my retirement from basketball,” the 37-year-old Intal wrote on Instagram on Sunday, March 21.

“It is a bittersweet feeling for me to say goodbye to the game that has been a huge part of my life, but I am moving forward feeling happy and proud knowing I made the most of the privilege to play basketball professionally.”

After a colorful collegiate stint for Ateneo highlighted by a UAAP championship and a First Mythical Team selection, Intal joined the PBA in 2007 and got drafted by Air21 as the 4th overall pick.

The high-flying Intal, nicknamed “The Rocket,” went on to play for Barangay Ginebra, B-Meg/San Mig Coffee, and Barako Bull/Phoenix.

He helped Phoenix reach the Philippine Cup semifinals last season with averages of 4.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Intal finished his career as a one-time PBA champion with B-Meg and a three-time PBA All-Star.

Outside the PBA, the 6-foot-4 forward donned the national colors for Gilas Pilipinas and won a silver medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

In his retirement post, Intal thanked several basketball personalities, including renowned coaches Joel Banal, Norman Black, Jong Uichico, Tim Cone, and Tab Baldwin.

“It has been the honor of my life to play basketball. From the bottom of my heart, again, thank you,” Intal said. – Rappler.com