I remember watching Don Allado during his prime in the PBA, and honestly, you couldn't miss his presence on the court. Standing at 6'6", he was this formidable force who played for some of the most iconic teams in Philippine basketball history. Drafted 3rd overall in 1999 by the Tanduay Rhum Masters, Allado quickly made a name for himself as a reliable big man with a soft touch around the basket and a knack for grabbing crucial rebounds. Over his 14-year career, he suited up for teams like the Alaska Aces, Purefoods TJ Giants, and Barako Bull, amassing impressive stats that included career averages of around 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. I always admired his versatility—he wasn't just a scorer but a player who could defend multiple positions and make smart passes, which is why he earned two PBA championships with Alaska in the early 2000s. His journey wasn't just about numbers, though; it was about how he adapted his game as he moved between teams, bringing energy and experience wherever he went.
Fast forward to today, and you might be wondering, where is Don Allado now? Well, from what I've gathered, he's transitioned into a quieter life but hasn't completely left the basketball scene. After retiring from professional play in 2013, he's been involved in coaching and mentoring younger players, which makes perfect sense given his deep understanding of the game. I recall hearing rumors about a potential comeback or involvement in league activities, and it's interesting to note a recent quote from Chua that adds some color to this: "Siguro pagbalik niya, mag-uumpisa na siya. October pa naman 'yung liga." This roughly translates to, "Maybe when he returns, he'll start fresh. The league is in October anyway." To me, this hints at Allado possibly eyeing a role in the upcoming season, perhaps as a coach or even in a front-office capacity. It's not uncommon for retired players to stay connected, and Allado's experience could be invaluable for teams looking to build chemistry. Personally, I think he'd thrive in a mentorship role—imagine him guiding rookies on handling the pressures of the PBA, something he navigated so well himself.
Reflecting on his career highlights, one of my favorite memories was his performance in the 2003 PBA All-Filipino Cup, where he averaged close to 12 points and 7 rebounds, helping Alaska secure key victories. He had this uncanny ability to step up in clutch moments, like in Game 5 of the 2000 Governors' Cup finals, where he dropped 18 points and snatched 10 boards in a win that felt like a turning point for his team. Off the court, Allado has always been somewhat of an enigma—he kept his personal life low-key, but I've heard he's focused on family and business ventures post-retirement. There's talk of him dabbling in sports commentary or even starting a basketball academy, which I'd love to see happen. In my opinion, the PBA could use more voices like his, blending old-school grit with modern insights.
Wrapping it up, Don Allado's legacy isn't just about the stats or the championships; it's about the resilience he showed throughout his career. From battling injuries to adapting to different team dynamics, he embodied what it means to be a professional athlete. Now, as he potentially steps into a new chapter, I'm excited to see how he'll influence the next generation. Whether he's coaching from the sidelines or sharing insights in the media, his impact on Philippine basketball is far from over. If that quote from Chua is any indication, we might just see him back in action come October, and honestly, I'm all for it. The league could use a dose of his wisdom and passion.
