Ball is life, indeed.
In Phoenix Fuel Masters’ 31-point defeat to the hands of Star Hotshots Saturday, there was a glaring sight of a bulked-up man in the Fuel Masters’ bench.
As it turns out, it was veteran journeyman Doug Kramer, who is now back playing competitive basketball after four long months of being away from the hardwood.
“Naninibago pa rin ako,” admitted the 33-year-old big man.
It was a decent return for the celebrated Kramer finishing the game with nine markers and team-high 12 rebounds in a losing effort. But months prior to his return everything was totally different.
October of 2016, according to Kramer himself via his Instagram account, he suffered a mild stroke, which hospitalized him for six days. After a series of tests, it was found out that a minuscule congenital hole in his heart was the culprit of the stroke.
That suffering came as a shocker for him and his family, given the fact that the 6’5″ banger exercises a healthy way of living. But that adversity has now become a thing of the past, as he has returned to playing the sport that has become his livelihood for the last decade.
However, Kramer pointed out that he still has a long way to go to get back to his old self.
“I was very nervous when I came in here because I haven’t played for four months. I haven’t had a tuneup game so I caught myself flat-footed out there,” Kramer shared.
“I still have to adjust to my teammates. A lot of times that I could have helped, I was still slow on my legs. I dont think I’m on proper game shape yet, especially on defense.
“I know I can build off something. In my head I just wanted to rebound and try to get my confidence from there,” furthered Kramer, who have posted career norms of 5.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in his nine-year career.
But nevertheless, the former UAAP cager is nothing but grateful that he has been given another chance in life, and there is no one to be thankful for than the Man above, according to Kramer.
“For me, this is God’s grace, whatever is happening to me. I wasn’t even supposed to come out this warmly, but God’s grace allowed me to really be able to comeback and I give all credit to God.”
