Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 78
Aces Hontiveros, dela Cruz retire from PBA
Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 153
Warning: Undefined variable $nocontent in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 236
Warning: Undefined variable $FEAT_STORIES in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 685
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 688
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 730
Alaska forward Tony dela Cruz shoots a jumper against Rain or Shine rookie Ed Daquioag during their game on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo. Dela Cruz and his longtime teammate Dondon Hontiveros have played their final PBA game. PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO CITY—Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Dela Cruz didn’t have the kind of exit they had in mind after Alaska ended its season with a blowout loss to Rain or Shine Wednesday.
But the two veterans will always look back at the fond memories they’ve made throughout their colorful careers.
“I learned so many things. Coach Alex (Compton) told us in the locker room that even if we leave, the relationship is still there,” said Hontiveros in Filipino after a 112-82 loss to Rain or Shine in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Sports Center.
“This is a great group of guys to be with and I’ve learned so much from them, in fact I think I’ve learned more from them than them learning from me because I really enjoyed our company and I’m very grateful for that,” added Hontiveros, who finished his PBA career in fourth place in the all-time 3-pointers made with 1,137 behind legends Jimmy Alapag, Allan Caidic and Ronnie Magsanoc.
Hontiveros had a 17-year career in the PBA and won three titles, the first two with San Miguel while the other was with Alaska in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup.
Dela Cruz, who’s also a three-time champion with Alaska, said he would’ve wanted to win more championships in his career but it was the people he met and played with and against along the way that made his run worthwhile.
“Obviously, I didn’t have the accolades, the trophies, the championships I wish I had but I got to meet some really great people, played against awesome opponents, imports, and played for great coaches in the best league in Asia,” said Dela Cruz, who was the Aces’ team captain from 2010 to 2016.
Hontiveros has always held a leadership role since he played for San Miguel in 2002.
And the two were teammates not just in Alaska but also in the 2005 national team that competed in the Jones Cup.
“It’s been a great career, I’ve met awesome people, I got to represent the country in the national team,” said Dela Cruz, who retired at age 39. “But I am sad that I can’t come to the game prepared the way I mentally prepare every game day, and the camaraderie you have with your teammates.”
“On a daily basis, your routine will be different, but I hope there’s always something to look forward to,” said the 40-year-old Hontiveros.
Warning: Undefined array key "TESTPAGE" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 254
Warning: Undefined array key "fb" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 280
Warning: Undefined variable $thinq in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 318
Warning: Undefined variable $var_sports_vlurb in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 328
Warning: Undefined variable $isghub in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 429
Warning: Undefined variable $mindanaoQuake2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 442
Warning: Undefined variable $showSolicit_batanes in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 459
Warning: Undefined variable $seagames in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 475
Warning: Undefined variable $tokyoOlympics2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 481
Warning: Undefined variable $help_ompong in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 525
Warning: Undefined variable $elections_2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 538
Warning: Undefined variable $typhoon_2018_redirect in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 543
Warning: Undefined variable $ncov2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 555
Warning: Undefined variable $tyhoon2020_marthon in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 578
Warning: Undefined variable $dotnet23 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 585
Warning: Undefined variable $suicide in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 595
Warning: Undefined variable $yearend2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 600
Warning: Undefined array key "inqplus_test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 609
Warning: Undefined array key "newreadnext" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 664
Warning: Undefined array key "test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 802
EDITORS' PICK
Warning: Undefined variable $data_for_HompageFG_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 816
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 819
Warning: Undefined variable $MR_data_for_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
Warning: Undefined variable $bc_tag in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 1239
