PBA: Magnolia to retire PJ Simon’s jersey no. 8 in Manila Clasico showdown

Retiring Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok veteran PJ Simon will be honored by the only team he suited up for in the PBA in the first Manila Clasico showdown of the year.

The Magnolia management will retire Simon’s jersey number when they face Barangay Ginebra on May 10 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The versatile scorer confirmed last week that the 2020 season will be his last. Per an online report, Simon will be settling in Davao after his career.

The 17-year pro spent his entire career with the Purefoods franchise, tying legend Alvin Patrimonio for the longest tenure for the squad.

The 6-foot-2 Simon was drafted 43rd overall by Sta. Lucia in the 2001 PBA draft, but it took a while for him to be able to suit up.

He took turns playing in the PBL and MBA, before finally getting a break with Purefoods.

Although he started as a bench player, Simon embraced the role fully, en route to becoming a two-time PBA Mr. Quality Minutes awardee.

It didn’t take long before the player nicknamed the “Scoring Apostle” became an all-star level player and a regular starter for the team, winning in the process 8 PBA championships while being named an all-star 8 times.