From hardcourt to homecourt

LOS ANGELES — For several years, they became part of our lives as night after night, we shared about two hours praying for them; hoping that they’d win; watching, gripped with fear, excitement and anticipation. But even the brightest stars and the best cagers experience "game over" in their respective careers. And when that happened, the following ex-superstars knew it was time to execute the full-court press with their families.

"It’s been great doing things for my kids, fetching them from school, cooking for them when I have the time or bring them to wherever they want to go specially when it comes to extra curricular activities in school," said Abe King.

The ex-Toyota and San Miguel power forward who controlled the paint during his PBA days is now in control of the pan . . . cooking pan, that is.

He’s been based in Orange County, California for about seven years now. The self-appointed "Mister Mom" goes to work only once in a while. And whenever he does, he chooses the graveyard shift so he can be available to attend to his kids’ needs during the day.

Of his eight kids, two are still in Parañaque; six are with him in OC. His youngest is 13 years old.

"’Yung isa naka-graduate na ng college. ‘Yung isa nasa college. ‘Yung iba nasa high school. ‘Yung iba nasa middle school, grade school . . . Name it, maski anong ‘school’ mayroon," he joked.

Mrs. King, whom Abe calls "Mama" works as a personal assistant for a "big-time" individual here in America. And because she gets a higher salary and better benefits, the couple decided to switch roles as provider and caregiver for the family.

"I’m very happy with my family they’ve been the focus of my attention," said King. Despite the strands of white hair that give testament to the fact that the former superstar has seen better days, the lines on his face show contentment and peace — something that seemed elusive to him during his years in the Philippines.

"When I stopped playing I got involved with the youths of Paranaque. Naputol naman nung kaibigan kong si Joey Marquez," he explained although almost everybody has already heard the story. "I formed a team for the national seniors but I didn’t get enough support. So I said it’s all over. I think it’s the end of my career. I might as well go to the US and lead a peaceful life. Masyado nagulo ang buhay ko sa Pilipinas."

Like King, when Pongkee Alolor realized that his basketball career was over, he decided to migrate to America "for good." Since then he has gained weight and lost some of his hair. But the player who once displayed deadly defense and offense in the PBA still makes an effort to keep fit.

"Three days in a week, nagwo-workout din ako. At the same time, palakasan din sa trabaho ko so nagwo-work out din ako," said the Cebuano cager who has been based in San Francisco for 10 years now. He works in United Airlines.

Although he says he has a lot of fun in his job, Alolor admitted that he still thinks about his experiences in the PBA.

"Nami-miss ko sa atin ‘yung mga kasamahan ko dati; ‘yung pagiging basketball player ko dati. Pagka-ganda ng feeling na habang naglalakad, nakikilala ka ng mga tao," he said.

The last time Alolor was back in the Philippines was three years ago to visit his parents in Bantayan Island. He hasn’t gone back since. Still, he is a lot luckier compared to the other ex-PBA players who have not been able to fly back since relocating here in the US some years ago. (To be continued)

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Find out more about them next week.

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