JC Intal retires after 13 PBA seasons

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

One of the most athletic and explosive players the PBA has ever seen just announced his retirement from the big league.

Known as the “The Rocket” for his breath-taking and acrobatic finishes at the rim, JC Intal confirmed that he will no longer play another season in the PBA and called it a career after 13 illustrious years.

Intal last played for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters and was one of the vital pieces who helped the team reach the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals but eventually lost to the TNT Tropang Giga.

“After two decades of playing the sport I love, 13 years of which in the PBA, I am officially announcing my retirement from basketball,” Intal posted on his social media account.

Despite not having the athleticism and hops he had before, Intal showed different facets of his game including his three-point shooting and tremendous perimeter defense.

Considered to be one of the most exciting UAAP hoopers, Intal was the fourth overall pick during the 2007 PBA Rookie draft and immediately provided impact when he joined Air21.

Intal won his first-ever PBA title after five years when he was with the B-Meg Llamados and was also selected several times as part of the men’s national Gilas Pilipinas squad.

“It is a bittersweet feeling for me to say goodbye to the game that has been a huge part of my life, but I am moving forward feeling happy and proud knowing I made the most of the privilege to play basketball professionally,” Intal continued.