Doug Kramer has retired from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In an Instagram post, the athlete shared why he decided to leave the world of basketball.

“I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I’m retiring because I respect the game. It has given me so much, and my way of leaving is to give others a chance. My slot will be a dream come true for the next player up,” he stated.

WATCH: Take a tour of Team Kramer's mansion

He added that he wants to leave PBA while he is still healthy and able. “I’m leaving knowing I'm still healthy, with no major injuries throughout my career. I don’t want to wait till my body is breaking down, or till mentally I’m drained of the daily routine of training. I’m moving on because I choose to do so. Basketball is not forever. And I never made it to become my only avenue. It’s very temporal. I’m 36 years young and still so much to do,” he shared.

View this post on Instagram

I started playing basketball for the love of the game and I'm retiring because I respect the game. It has given me so much, and my way of leaving is to give others a chance. My slot will be a dream come true for the next player up. . I'm leaving knowing I'm still healthy, with no major injuries throughout my career. I don't want to wait till my body is breaking down, or till mentally I'm drained of the daily routine of training. I'm moving on because I choose to do so. Basketball is not forever. And I never made it to become my only avenue. It's very temporal. I'm 36 years young and still so much to do. . If it weren't for basketball, I wouldn't have seen much places. I've played all around the Philippines, some parts of Asia and even in the US. I started this journey playing basketball in Baguio City, and eventually made my move in Manila to play for Ateneo. That was 2002, 17 years ago! . If it weren't for basketball, I probably would have joined the military, since that was the original plan mid high school, but things fell into place for basketball. . If it weren't for basketball, I wouldn't have been able to play for Ateneo in Manila and eventually meet Chesca on my sophomore year. No Chesca means no Kendra, Scarlett and Gavin. What a different life I would have led if it weren't for this sport. . Lastly, If it weren't for the Lord in my life, basketball and everything else wouldn't make sense. I want to give God more opportunity to work in my life, and what better way than leaving my comfort zone. I'll do what I can, God will do the rest. . To end, here's a favorite quote of mine. "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." . So I'm leaving knowing one thing. The ball is in my hands. 🙏

A post shared by Doug Kramer (@dougkramer) on Nov 14, 2019 at 7:00pm PST

Doug remarked that at this point in his life, he wants to go beyond his comfort zone.

“If it weren’t for the Lord in my life, basketball and everything else wouldn’t make sense. I want to give God more opportunity to work in my life, and what better way than leaving my comfort zone. I’ll do what I can, God will do the rest,” he stated.