CHICAGO - Although it happens only once a year, birthdays are usually a special occasion for celebration, growth and gratitude.
But when Simon Enciso turned 34 last February 12, his joyous mood was dampened by a tinge of sadness because his PBA contract expired that day and San Miguel Beer opted against a renewal.
According to sources, the separation was a "coaches and management decision."
A good soldier with zero derogatory mark on his record as a professional player, Simon did not question or argue his fate. The prevailing emotion that leaked out of the dynamic combo guard was gratitude.
"Very thankful to SMC. I was given several opportunities when the starters went down with injuries and I took advantage of those opportunities. I played a huge role in the two championships I won with the Beermen and I'm proud of that as well," he told me via text message.
DEADLINE.
This chapter, however, hasn't been completely written yet. The Beermen have until March 12 to make an offer before Enciso becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Should San Miguel elect to go in a different direction, the beer giant's loss will be another team's gain.
A winner and a proven leader, Enciso can seamlessly fit on any team whether the role is primary or supplementary in nature. He can add a veteran's punch to a contender or be a mentor to a young team whose players still have Similac in their breath.
After a stint in the PBA D-League, the Fil-Am from San Francisco, California was taken 17th overall in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
And he didn't waste time to prove that he belonged by logging 15 points, three assists and three rebounds in 28-minute debut with the NLEX Road Warriors. Enciso has never looked back since.
At age 34, with a full arsenal of skills, moxie and basketball smarts, Enciso still has plenty left to give to the game.
MULLING HIS OPTIONS.
Which is why he will have several options to consider if he indeed departs San Miguel.
"If he can't sign with another PBA team leading up to the Philippine Cup, we will consider the MPBL. The KBL is also an option," Enciso's camp told me via text message.
Known for its "Filipino-style" ultra physical play, the MPBL can be an easy fit for Simon who is a dog on defense and isn't allergic to contact. Of late, salaries have been escalating in the MPBL which has seen a slew of migrating former PBA players.
Ditto with the KBL where his shooting and point guard abilities will be tremendous assets.
While his representation is working hard to arrange the next landing spot, Simon isn't just sitting on his laurels. In fact, he is working out everyday at an upscale gym at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
"I gotta stay in shape, be ready when the call comes," he said.
After all these years as a pro player, Simon Enciso still has the hunger to succeed and the drive to support it.
What an addition he will be to a basketball team in the Philippines and beyond.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
