By james art There is no doubt that Allen Durham will remain one of the PBA’s best import players.
(UPDATED) | Meralco import Alan Durham knew he only needed one more trip with his Meralco brethren before finally closing his PBA chapter.
This journey was anything but smooth.
After grooming the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japanese B.League and leading them to a championship in 2023, Durham returned to the PBA for some unfinished business.
Despite dealing with injuries to key players, Meralco still finished second in Group B with a 7-3 win-loss record in the ongoing Season 49 Governors Cup.
Unfortunately, his last conference with the Bolts ended with a loss to rivals Justin Brownlee and Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
“Honestly, it was just a feeling, I just wanted to play with my brothers one last time. I knew this would be my last stint in the PBA,” the three-time Best Import told One Sports.
And earlier this week, the Meralco Bolts shared photos on social media from a farewell party for Durham.
Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed the development of A sport on Wednesday, Oct. 30
“Yes, Durham is retiring from basketball,” Trillo said via text message.
[RELATED STORY: Have we seen the last of Justin Brownlee vs. Allen Durham in the PBA?]
But Durham, who led Meralco to three finals appearances but lost each time to Brownlee’s Gin Kings, still isn’t completely done with his professional basketball career.
The 36-year-old clarified that he only retired from the PBA. He is currently looking to accept offers from the Japanese B.League.
In his final tour of duty for the Bolts, the 36-year-old did his best, but he and his team just fell short against rival Justin Brownlee and Ginebra in the quarterfinals of the Season 49 Governors Cup.
Fans will surely miss the rivalry between Meralco’s Alan Durham and Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee. | Photo (c) PBA
Although he ended up empty-handed, “Hulk” had a storied career in the league, leading the Bolts to three Governors’ Cup finals.
He was recognized as the best import in each of these conferences, but ultimately failed to win them all.
What Durham failed to do in the PBA, he accomplished in the Japan B.League.
Durham guided the Ryukyu Golden Kings to the 2023 championship and won the Finals Most Valuable Player award.
“Been through many wars with @kinghulk.7 Brother, Warrior, True Pro. He will always be a part of our Bolts family,” head coach Luigi Trillo said on his Instagram story.
Brownlee himself sent Durham his best wishes.
“It was always a fun fight against him. I appreciate the player you are and more importantly the person you are,” Brownlee said.
@onesportsphl FROM ONE LEGENDARY IMPORT TO ANOTHER 🤝 Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee congratulates former Meralco import Alan Durham on his retirement from the PBA, expressing his gratitude and honor to compete against him in the league. Durham leaves an electrifying legacy as a consistent force for Meralco since 2016. | via Xander Lauren Cipriano/One Sports Digital #OSOnTheSpot #PBASeason49 #PBAFinals #PBAAngatAngLaban #OneSports ? original sound – OneSportsPHL
But until Durham receives an offer to spread his work to the East Asian nation, he will return to the United States and spend time with his family.
“Yes, I want to go back to Japan,” he said. “But I’m going back home until something opens up.
[Editors’ Note: This story has been updated to reflect the clarification and statements from Allen Durham.]