Just like his good pal Marc Pingris, PJ Simon’s retirement did not last long.
Simon has signed with Nueva Ecija for the upcoming 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitation Tournament.
The league’s first foray as a professional will take place from December 11-23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Back in September of last year, Simon, 41, called it a career after a stellar 19-year career in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Known as one of the greatest underdogs the league has ever seen after being drafted as the 43rd overall pick in the 2001 draft, Simon became an eight-time champion, eight-time all-star, and was named as a two-time Mr. Quality Minutes.
According to Coach Charles Tiu, Simon joining the team owned by Palayan City mayor Rianne Cuevas has been a long time coming.
“I am very excited and this is long overdue because, to be honest, he was going to play for us in the season that was canceled due to the pandemic,” Tiu said. “We kept it quiet for a long time. So now, I’m glad it will finally happen.”
It has been two years though since Simon played a game.
That is why Tiu and his staff are rushing Simon to get back into game shape.
“Of course we need to get to work as preparation is short but he will be with us in the long run.”
