PBA legend and former two-time MVP and five-time BPC Danny “Raise the Roof” Ildefonso is retiring for real from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The 38-year old Power Forward, who was a force to reckon with in his San Miguel Beer days, communicated his decision to finally step-down from the pro league after his current team Meralco Bolts bared their stance to rebuild the roster with younger cagers.

Reports are ripe that the 6’6 slotman from Urdaneta Pangasinan’s decison to retire from the game can be attributed to the return of Meralco lost son Rabeh-Al Hussaini. Al-Hussaini is said to be on the return path to the PBA fold after a year’s absence.

“Nag-usap na kami ni coach Norman (Black) at sinabi nga niya na plano na nilang mag-rebuild. Mabuti na rin at nalaman ko ‘yung plano nila from him since balak ko na rin talagang mag-retire. Hinintay ko lang muna ‘yung sasabihin niya baka kasi kako may plano pa sila para sa akin,” Ildefonso was quoted from Philstar.com

He further added, “Sobra-sobra na ‘yung 17 seasons. Masaya ako sa naging career ko and it’s time to focus naman sa family ko lalo na sa mga anak ko.”

Danny Ildefonso is best remembered in his championship years with the San Miguel Beermen, who together with Danny “Dynamite” Seigle were nearly unstoppable in their prime. Ildefonso also spearheaded National University (NU) Bulldogs in his rookie years and was a rival of Rommel “The General” Adducul. Danny served the national team multiple times in the past.

An 8-time PBA champion, Ildefonso blitzed the PBA with his signature post-up power moves and electrifying poster dunks, hence the “Raise the Roof” moniker.