Magnolia set to retire Peter June Simon's PBA jersey

DAVAO CITY --The Magnolia Hotshots is set to retire the PBA jersey of one of most popular player of the University of Mindanao Wildcats collegiate basketball history who is set to retire this year.
The Hotshots, one of the top teams in PBA today is supposed to retire the jersey of Peter June Simon  also known as the ‘Scoring Apostle’ last May IO but unfortunately the ongoing  Philippine Cup was suspended due to the COVID-I9 pandemic.
According to reports, the Hotshots would still retire the jersey of Simon, native of Makilala, North Cotabato  once the stalled Philippine Cup of the 45th PBA season resumes.
The Hotshots decided to retire the jersey of Simon since the latter is one of its great players despite getting undrafted in the PBA.
Simon’s jersey will be the fourth to be retired in Purefoods franchise history after those of four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, and Rey Evangelista.
Having your jersey retired is one of the greatest honor a player could have since it means you are valued as a player and person since no one is allowed to use your uniform after your retired from the game.
The 39-year-old Simon will playing in his I7th and final PBA season this year.
Before making it big in the PBA, Simon had a solid collegiate career as a member of the Wildcats from 1996 to 2000.
Simon led the Wildcats to many local championships as well as decent finishes in national collegiate basketball tournaments.
Local hoop fans who watch him play have described him as a high flyer who made life difficult for everyone unfortunate enough to have been given the responsibility of guarding him.
After his colorful stint as a member of the Wildcats, he applied for the PBA Draft in 2001 where he was drafted 43rd by the Sta. Lucia Realtors.
He was however left unsigned by Sta. Lucia, leading him to bring his talents to the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) before once again becoming an amateur in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
Simon tried his luck in the PBA after playing in the PBL, this time getting fortunate enough to be offered a contract by the Purefoods franchise where he spent his entire career.
In his 17 years in the PBA, Simon won eight league championships, earned eight all-star appearances, won two Mr. Quality Minutes awards, and won one three-point shootout crown.