Veteran guard Cyrus Baguio has called it a career after 16 seasons in the PBA, he confirmed to ESPN5.com.
Baguio's contract expired last Dec. 31. He previously stated in an interview last February that he had intended the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup as his last conference with the NLEX Road Warriors.
"I convinced coach Yeng [Guiao] to play for just one conference. I have already played for a long time. But I'm grateful I lasted 17 seasons in the PBA," mentioned Baguio on Feb. 3, 2020.
Baguio, 40, also that he did not want to take playing time from younger players, and wanted to avoid injury.
The PBA season opened last March but only one game was played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Baguio decided not to join NLEX inside the bubble in Clark, Pampanga, due to personal reasons.
Baguio played for the UST Growling Tigers in college and was drafted 14th overall by the Red Bull Thunder in the 2003 draft. Aside from Red Bull, he also suited up for Burger King, Barangay Ginebra, Alaska, Phoenix, and finally NLEX. He won three titles, one with Red Bull and two with Alaska, and a Finals MVP plum, which he shared with L.A. Tenorio when the Aces won the 2010 Fiesta Cup. He was also an 11-time All-Star, and twice made the Mythical Second Team.
In 2009, Baguio was selected by Guiao to be part of the Philippine men's team that placed eighth in that year's FIBA Asia Championship held in Tianjin, China.
Baguio was also known for his above-the-rim play, earning the sobriquet "Skyrus", and won the Slam Dunk crown in 2004.