Hontiveros leaning toward retirement, but open to play one more PBA season

(UPDATE 6:45 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Dondon Hontiveros has played his last game with the Alaska Milk Aces but, at 40, is still looking for at least one more season to make his last hurrah in the PBA.

Calling it quits at the end of Alaska Milk’s 2016-17 PBA season was longtime skipper Tony dela Cruz.

“I’m looking at going into coaching. At the same time, I’m conducting seminars (sports and business) for Alaska Milk,” said Dela Cruz who retired from playing at 39.

“It’s my last game with Alaska,” said Hontiveros, for his part.

When asked if it’s his last game in the PBA? “Depende kay Boss Danny (It depends on my agent/adviser Danny Espiritu),” Hontiveros added.

“Apparently, he still wants to play. He’s being offered by Danny (Espiritu) to other teams. We’re giving him his release (papers),” said Alaska team manager Dickie Bachmann.

Whether he still plays or retires, Hontiveros is sure to leave a legacy worthy of emulation and admiration of younger players.

He’s had an illustrious career highlighted by four championships, several tours of duty with the national team and numerous individual citations.

Through the 2016-17 PBA season, Hontiveros has made 1,138 three-point shots – fourth in the all-time ladder next to Jimmy Alapag’s 1,250, Allan Caidic’s 1,242 and Ronnie Magsanoc’s 1,171.

Through the 2015-16 campaign, the Cebuano hotshot had had a career total of 7,598 points – 36th in the all-time scoring list. Before this season, the former University of Cebu stalwart had career averages of 10.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

Hontiveros joined the PBA in 2000 as a prized recruit by the Tanduay Rhum Masters from the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association. He moved over to San Miguel in 2002 following Tanduay’s disbandment. He was dealt over to Alaska Milk in 2012.

A gunner and also a tough wing defender, Hontiveros played stellar roles in his stints with Team Philippine in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, 2007 FIBA Asia and 2015 FIBA Asia.

He’s a 13-time PBA All-Star player who topped the All-Star Three-Point Shootout in 2007.