Charles Rhodes won his first ever pro basketball title while playing for the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA.
Charles Rhodes calls it a career.
The former San Miguel Beermen import bid farewell to his basketball career that included a championship and a Best Import award in the PBA in his first stint.
[Screen Grab from Charles Rhodes' official Instagram account @tha_beast23]
“My basketball career ended the way God wanted it to, so I’m forever grateful for his grace and mercy. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my basketball journey,” Rhoades wrote in lengthy post.
It was back in 2017 when the American forward first came to the Philippines to reinforce the Beermen in the Commissioner’s Cup.
He averaged 28.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game en route to winning the Best Import award and carried San Miguel past then TNT Katropa in a six-game Finals series to claim the championship.
It was also his first-ever taste of a title in his career as a pro basketball player.
Rhodes returned to the PBA two years later in the same conference but only lasted seven games and was replaced by former NBA player Chris McCullough.
The 6-foot-8 slotman extended her gratitude to his family, former teammates and opponents in the past as he welcomed a new chapter in life in pursuing a coaching career.
"I would like to thank my wife for being there every step of the way and being a great mother to our kids! I have played this game for decades, it has brought me lifelong friendships and countless unforgettable memories. To my teammates and coaches Thank You for everything!! And to all of my opponents and real ones I battled against, It was Truly an Honor."
Now it’s time to be with family and close friends and pour back into the youth and older kids full-time,” Rhodes added.
With this announcement, several of his former SMB teammates gave Rhodes his flowers including Chriss Ross, Alex Cabagnot and Matt Ganuellas-Rosser.
“Happy retirement my brother. Amazing career,” Cabagnot said.
“Congratulations on a great career bro,” MGR commented.
Even former Ginebra import Vernon Macklin and Joe Devance, alongside Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Gabe Norwood, took time to extend their appraisal to Rhodes.
“My GUY! One hell of a career that’s for sure! My 1st overseas teammate, Good luck on your journey my guy,” Macklin said.
“Respect,” Norwood responded.
Besides the PBA, Rhodes also played in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), primarily with the Busan KT Sonicboom, Daegus Pegasus, and Anyang Red Boosters, and in the Japan B. League with Shiga Lakes. He last played with Al-Ittihad Jeddah in the Saudi Premier League.