I still remember the first time I saw Don Allado play back in 2002—his footwork in the paint was something you didn't see from many big men in the PBA during that era. When I think about his journey through the Philippine Basketball Association, it's impossible not to recognize how his career mirrored the league's own evolution from physical, grind-it-out basketball to a more versatile, modern game. His story isn't just about statistics or championships, though he certainly had those; it's about resilience and adapting to changing roles across different teams and eras.

Don entered the league as the 3rd overall pick in the 1999 PBA Draft by Tanduay Rhum, and honestly, I thought he'd be just another traditional big man. But watching him develop his outside shot while maintaining his post presence showed me he was different. He played for seven teams throughout his career—from Tanduay to Alaska, Purefoods, Air21, Barako Bull, Meralco, and even a stint with GlobalPort. That's 16 seasons of professional basketball, which is remarkable longevity in such a physically demanding league. What impressed me most was how he reinvented himself multiple times. Early in his career, he was primarily a low-post scorer, but by his mid-30s, he'd become a reliable three-point threat, shooting around 34% from beyond the arc during his final seasons, which was quite respectable for a big man in that era.

I've always believed that the true measure of a player's impact goes beyond championships, and Don's case proves this. While he won two PBA championships (with Purefoods in the 2006 Philippine Cup and Alaska in the 2013 Commissioner's Cup), his legacy is more about his consistent performance and professionalism. He averaged double-digit scoring for eight consecutive seasons from 2001 to 2008, with his best year being the 2004-05 season where he put up around 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. These numbers might not jump off the page today, but in the defensive-minded PBA of that period, they were quite significant.

What many younger fans might not know is how Don's game influenced the next generation of Filipino big men. Before players like June Mar Fajardo developed their outside game, Don was already stretching defenses with his mid-range jumper. I recall specifically how during the 2005 Fiesta Conference, he hit three crucial three-pointers in a single game against Red Bull—something practically unheard of for a 6'6" center at that time. His versatility forced opposing coaches to adjust their defensive schemes, often pulling their own big men away from the basket, which created driving lanes for his teammates.

The business side of basketball always fascinated me, and Don's career movements tell an interesting story about the PBA's team dynamics. His transfer from Purefoods to Air21 in 2008 was particularly noteworthy—the trade involved three teams and five players moving around. From what I gathered talking to people within the league at that time, Don's value wasn't just in his on-court production but also in his leadership. Teams knew they were getting someone who could mentor younger players while still contributing meaningful minutes.

I can't discuss Don's legacy without mentioning that brief period when rumors circulated about his potential return to the league after a short retirement. I remember talking to fellow sportswriters about whether he still had something left in the tank. The quote from team manager Butch Bachmann always stuck with me: "Siguro pagbalik niya, mag-uumpisa na siya. October pa naman 'yung liga." This roughly translates to "Perhaps when he returns, he'll be starting fresh. The league starts in October anyway." This comment, made around 2014, reflected how team executives still valued his experience and believed he could contribute despite his age. Though he ultimately didn't make a significant comeback, that sentiment speaks volumes about the respect he'd earned throughout his career.

From my perspective covering the PBA for over fifteen years, Don's gradual transition from star player to role player was handled with remarkable grace. Many players struggle with reduced minutes and diminished offensive roles, but Don embraced being a veteran presence. During his final season with Meralco in 2015, he was playing about 12 minutes per game but still managed to shoot 42% from the field—not bad for a 38-year-old in a league dominated by younger athletes. His basketball IQ allowed him to remain effective even when his physical abilities had diminished.

The international aspect of Don's career often gets overlooked. He represented the Philippines in multiple international tournaments, including the 2002 Asian Games in Busan where the national team finished fourth. Having watched those games, I can attest to how his style of play—combining traditional post moves with outside shooting—proved effective against taller international opponents. His experience against world-class competition undoubtedly influenced how he approached the PBA game upon his return.

Looking at the current PBA landscape, I see Don's influence in players like Ian Sangalang and even to some extent in Christian Standhardinger—big men who can score both inside and out. The league has fully embraced the stretch-four position that Don helped pioneer locally. What's particularly impressive is that he maintained this versatile offensive game while still being a capable rebounder and defender—he averaged over 6 rebounds per game for his career, which is solid considering he often played alongside another big man.

Reflecting on Don's retirement in 2015, I've always felt the league lost one of its last connections to an earlier era. He bridged the gap between the physical 90s PBA and the faster, more perimeter-oriented game we see today. His career statistics—approximately 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 16 seasons—don't fully capture his impact. What those numbers miss is the consistency and professionalism he brought to every team he played for. In today's era of player movement and frequent trades, Don's ability to remain relevant and productive across different systems and coaching philosophies is something young players should study.

The legacy of Don Allado, in my view, extends beyond the basketball court. He demonstrated how players can extend their careers through skill development and basketball intelligence rather than relying solely on athleticism. His journey through multiple teams showed how professionalism and adaptability can create opportunities even when circumstances change. As the PBA continues to evolve, the blueprint Don provided for big men development remains relevant—emphasizing skill versatility while maintaining fundamental post abilities. Though he may not be in the conversation for the greatest PBA players of all time, his impact on how the game is played by big men in the Philippines is undeniable and lasting.