HALL of famer, a warrior, best teammate, a quiet assassin.
These are some of the best way colleagues described Peter June Simon, who officially retired from the PBA on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old native of Makilala, Cotabato announced his decision to hang his jersey in an Instagram post, looking back at his 17-year playing journey which he entirely spent with the Purefoods franchise.
Simon, he with the boyish look and altar-boy demeanor, was obviously loved not only within the San Miguel Corp. group but around the league as well that there were outpouring of support and accolades for the Magnolia veteran guard just moments after he made the announcement.
"Congrats on a Hall of Fame career my friend! Always had my utmost respect! One of the best!," commented retired MVP and Alab Pilipinas coach Jimmy Alapag, who had memorable battles with Simon during his time tending the backcourt for Talk 'N Text.
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Joe Devance, who won a grand slam with Simon while still with the Star Hotshots, considered the University of Mindanao product one of his best teammates, while Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso said Simon is one of his favorite people in the PBA.
"Such a warrior and winner on the court. And a genuine, high character individual off it," said Cariaso.
Simon's retirement meant Mark Caguioa is now the only remaining active player from the Rookie Batch of 2001. Certainly, that is not lost to the 40-year-old Barangay Ginebra guard.
"My only batchmate left from 2001 draft. One of the nicest guy on and off the court," said Caguioa, who was the no.3 overall pick by the Kings in the draft 19 years ago. "I call this guy a quiet assassin because he usually goes under the radar."
Unlike Caguioa, Simon was barely given a second look when he decided to turn pro. He was picked in the fifth round at no. 43 overall by Sta. Lucia, but never got to sign a rookie contract and became a free agent.
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Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio gambled on him in 2004 and made him part of the rebuilding process he initiated at Purefoods.
Simon proved to be a surprise catch that by the end of his career, he has a total of eight championships tucked under his belt, a Mythical Second Team member, an eight-time All-Star, a two-time Mr. Quality Minutes, an MVP All-Star, and an All-Star Three-Point Shootout champion.
"Hindi ko inakalang possible pala para sa isang payat at maliit na bata mula sa Makilala, North Cotabato na makarating sa PBA. Hindi ko rin inakala na pagkatapos hindi mapansin nung 2001 PBA Rookie Draft na possible pa pala mag-iwan ng sarili kong marka sa liga," said Simon in his touching retirement message.
"Nakakalungkot man, pero ito na siguro yung tamang panahon para mag-paalam sa liga." (RG)
