Jeffrey Cariaso: Every good thing comes to an end

EVERY GOOD THING COMES TO AN END

By Jeffrey Cariaso

Calling it quits, hanging up a jersey or sneakers, or walking away from the game are common phrases you hear when an athlete reaches a point of inevitability (although during your prime, you tend to forget it). A player never wants to admit that one day, this beautiful thing you have going will end. One day all the media attention, playing on the big stage and the fame that comes with your profession will have to end. It's the circle of life for athletes anywhere in sports, and its something one can’t do anything about.

Even before the start of this season, I had already announced to Alaska, specifically to coach Tim Cone, that this will be my final year of playing. I've always said that I want to be the one to say when it's time. It's my career which I worked hard to achieve and establish myself in this league, so I feel it's only fitting that I walk away on my own terms. I have always said that I want to leave this game on a high note. I want to leave even if I think, and my peers think, I can still play for another two years. I want them to question why I am leaving when they feel I can still compete at a high level. I am proud to say that my announcement has fulfilled my two conditions.

When a player retires, people automatically think that he cannot perform anymore. Some retire because of injuries, some retire even before they reach their prime, and some cannot simply find a job and are forced to walk away. The PBA is a dream come true for many players and you are very lucky once you are a part of it. But you have to also realize that the PBA is a small industry. Jobs are scarce and you really have to take care of it. There are only 10 teams in the league. When I entered in 1995, there were only eight teams. So throughout my 15 and a half years, only two other teams were added to join. With all the talent we have in our country, and in the US, the challenge of keeping your job is sometimes tougher than the competition. So retiring after only 5 years has happened to many players. I'm very lucky to have lasted this long. My key points to surviving is establishing yourself early in your career, competing everyday at practice against the guys in your position(making practice your game), doing the extra work whether it's hitting the weight room, plyometrics, or running on the track, realizing what your weaknesses are and having a mindset on reversing that weakness into a strength, watch your games and study yourself and your opponents, and lastly I have a two nights before a game rule.

Most players try to sleep early or won't go out the night before the game. They know tomorrow they have a big game and they want to preserve their legs, bodies, and even relax their minds knowing they will be tested the next day. I do the same thing but will start this 2 nights before the game. It worked for me.

Having said this, I only hope to achieve that basketball fans all over the Philippines will understand a little of what players go through on their last leg of their careers. I just wanted to give you a different look and deeper perspective on the feelings and thoughts that we have. We may be catagorized as old in the PBA, but we have so much life ahead of us.