There's no doubt Allen Durham will go down as one of the best imports the PBA has had.
(UPDATED) | Meralco import Allen Durham knew he only needed one more ride with his Meralco brothers before he finally closed his PBA chapter.
That ride was anything but smooth.
After suiting up for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B.League and guiding them to a championship in 2023, Durham returned to the PBA for some unfinished business.
Though they dealt with injuries to key players, Meralco still wound up second in Group B with a 7-3 win-loss record in the ongoing Season 49 Governors' Cup.
Unfortunately, his last conference with the Bolts ended in a loss to rivals Justin Brownlee and Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
"Honestly it was just a feeling, I just wanted to play with my brothers one last time. I knew this would be my last stint in the PBA," the three-time Best Import told One Sports.
And earlier this week, the Meralco Bolts shared photos on social media of a farewell party for Durham.
Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed the development to One Sports on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
“Yes, Durham is retiring from basketball,” Trillo said via text message.
[RELATED STORY: Have we seen the last of Justin Brownlee vs. Allen Durham in the PBA?]
But Durham, who led Meralco to three Finals appearances but lost each time to Brownlee's Gin Kings, is not exactly wrapping up his professional basketball career entirely, though.
The 36-year-old clarified that only retired from the PBA. Right now, he is looking to entertain offers from Japan B.League.
In his final tour of duty for the Bolts, the 36-year-old did everything he could, but he and his squad simply fell short against rival Justin Brownlee and Ginebra in the Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Fans will surely miss the rivalry between Meralco's Allen Durham and Ginebra's Justin Brownlee. | Photo (c) PBA
Though he ended up empty handed, “The Hulk” had a legendary career in the league after leading the Bolts to three Governors' Cup Finals.
He was recognized as Best Import in each of that conference but ultimately failed to win it all.
What he failed to do in the PBA, Durham accomplished in the Japan B.League.
Durham steered the Ryukyu Golden Kings to the 2023 championship and claimed the Finals Most Valuable Player plum.
“Been through many wars with @kinghulk.7 Brother, Warrior, True Pro. He will always be a part of our Bolts family,” said head coach Luigi Trillo on his Instagram story.
Brownlee himself sent Durham his best wishes.
“It was always a fun battle going against him. I appreciate the player you are and more importantly, the person,” said Brownlee.
But until Durham receives an offer to strut his stuff in the East Asian nation, he will return to the United States and spend time with his family.
"Yea, I’m looking to return to Japan," he said. "But I will return home until something opens up."
[Editors' Note: This story has been updated to reflect the clarification and statements from Allen Durham.]