KEITH Datu clarified he is not retiring, contrary to perceptions by fans about a recent post that he made on social media.
Datu recently posted about retirement, writing that “the hardest part about retiring from sports isn't missing the game itself.”
“It's missing who you were when you played it,” the Rain or Shine center said.
Datu's post was made while in the middle of his recovery from a torn patellar tendon that he sustained last November during a game against Titan Ultra in the PBA Philippine Cup.
But third-year big man made it clear that he isn't retiring.
“I'm not retiring,” said Datu. “I think it was misleading. I didn't mean for it to sound like I was at all.”
“I'm here to stay and finish my recovery and get back on the court, and I'm currently committed to ROS, and I'm so excited to get back out there at the end of this year.”
The 29-year-old Datu said the post is related to something that he also does aside from playing professional basketball, and is passionate about.
“I'm a certified coach. I have a Masters' degree in sports psychology,” said Datu. “What I do and I have a passion for coaching.
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The 6-foot-8 said he has been doing coaching for quite awhile now, helping his fellow athletes in the psychological aspect of sports. Recent posts on his Facebook page includes 10 reasons athletes struggle after sports, burnout, and starting over.
“When I'm not on the court, I coach other athletes online, mindset, performance, what to do after sports. That's why I was talking about retirement,” said Datu.
The same Facebook page also showed Datu's progress in his recovery, as he is already doing court work in preparation for his return on the court.
“I'm just over four months past my surgery. I'm on pace for my recovery. Things are going good."
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