FAREWELL. Rico Maeirhofer calls it a career at age 33. File photo

MANILA, Philippines – Rico Maierhofer’s effort and positive attitude will be remembered as he retired from basketball at age 33.

Maierhofer announced on Friday, April 12, he will be bringing down the curtain to his colorful basketball career and he was showered with praise from peers he played with and against during his 10-year stint in the PBA.

“It was truly a wonderful experience, but unfortunately due to injury prone career, I am announcing my early retirement in playing professional basketball,” wrote Maierhofer on Instagram.

The 6-foot-6 big man was drafted second overall in 2009 by Purefoods (now Magnolia) and he immediately made an impact, helping the team win the 2010 Philippine Cup and also bagging the Rookie of the Year plum.

An ACL injury derailed Maierhofer’s career and he was eventually traded to Barangay Ginebra, Barako Bull, San Miguel – with which he won the 2015 Philippine Cup – before ending his PBA stint with GlobalPort (now NorthPort).

Although a journeyman, Maierhofer endeared himself to fellow PBA players for his heart and hustle.

“Brother, it was an honor to play with you. You always had a smile and positive attitude. Very fun to have as a teammate,” wrote Ginebra lifer Jayjay Helterbrand.

“Always put ultimate effort and energy out on the court. I’m sure you’ll do the same in whatever the future holds for you and your family,” Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood chimed in.

“Fantastic teammate and a true competitor. Congrats on an amazingly successful career,” wrote former Ginebra teammate Rudy Hatfield.

View this post on Instagram

“Happy Retirement” it was truly a wonderful experience,but unfortunately,due to injury prone career I am announcing my early retirement in playing professional basketball,thank you to the entire PBA organization for this once in a lifetime opportunity,thank you San Miguel Corporation, 2009-2011 PUREFOODS/BMEG, 2011-2013 GINEBRA, 2013-2015 SANMIGUEL BEERMEN and 2018 SANMIGUEL ALAB Pilipinas.My family and I are forever grateful for the opportunity and had been blessed with 3 championship rings all from SMC Family,thank you Boss RAMON ANG and Ninong Alfrancis Chua for all the trust and I will never forget all those pieces of advice,thank you Charlie Dy @sportsagentcd for guiding me throughout my pro career,also to Barako Bull 2016 and Global Port 2017 to Boss Mikee Romero for my short but sweet stint as Batang Pier,remembering our 7 straight PBL Championships.Thank you also to my Alma Mater DLSU,Coach Franz Pumaren,Tito Terry Capistrano,Tito Perry Uy and Tita Vangie for teaching me to be a better person,being a green archer made everything special,because it started my career right,thank you to all the fans who cheered and watched me since 2003,and to my family for always there for me,to my number 1 fan my wife @jeckmaierhofer who prays for me every practices and games I love you so much.To my mom and dad,who took care of me when Jeck is not yet around,to my 4 kids my inspiration.And last but not the least,thank you Lord God for all the lessons,good and bad.I am starting a new and different career and praying only and always for the best.God bless us all – Rico Maierhofer

A post shared by ricomaierhofer (@ricomaierhofer) on Apr 11, 2019 at 10:30pm PDT

Basketball did not stop for Maierhofer in the PBA as he suited up for Alab Pilipinas and helped the squad win the 2018 ASEAN Basketball League championship.

Aside from his titles in his professional career, Maierhofer is also a decorated collegiate player, fueling La Salle to two UAAP championships. – Rappler.com