Dondon's retirement hangs in the balance as All-Filipino ring remains elusive

Before the start of Alaska's championship series against San Miguel Beer, Dondon Hontiveros said he was ready to retire from professional basketball if the Aces win the Smart-Bro Philippine Cup title.

It would have been the Cebuano hotshot's first ever All-Filipino ring in his 16-year career - the most coveted championship by every PBA player.

But as Alaska bowed to the Beermen on Wednesday night after taking a commanding 3-0 series lead, Hontiveros was denied of his wish to go out a winner.

"Sobrang sakit talaga," he told reporters after the Aces lost Game Seven, 96-89.

"Maganda sana kung nanalo para masarap 'yung retirement."

The veteran shooting guard, who turns 39 this year, is left to contemplate the future anew - to gun for that elusive All-Filipino title one last time next season, or hang up his sneakers and call it quits.

"Right now ang masasabi ko, I have two conferences to really work on it, make it special," he said. "Emotionally, I'm drained."

Hontiveros said he wants to give an opportunity to Alaska rookies Kevin Racal, Marion Magat, and Jaypee Mendoza, but he is not exactly closing his doors to playing next season.

"Who knows if maganda 'yung ipapakita mo, and you're given a conference, a year, to make it special?" he said.

"Pero unfair again for the young guys na hindi mabigyan ng break so si coach Alex [Compton] na bahala." — APG, GMA News