Anthony Petrie saw basketball at its worst, but even when four of his clubs went broke and disappeared he refused to give up on the sport that changed his life.
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The former Canberra Gunner will play the last game of his 10-year NBL career on Saturday night when the Brisbane Bullets play against the Adelaide 36ers.
The only thing Petrie wants is for the Bullets to end the season on a high. And if anyone deserves it, it's Petrie, or more affectionately known as "Peach", after enduring dark days on the court.
"It's been a crazy journey. I didn't do it the stock-standard way. But I said to dad the other day, I wouldn't change a thing," Petrie said.
"When it all finishes I'll look back and be proud. And the way it's panned out, it's been fun and I wouldn't change any of it."
Petrie, a 203 centimetre, 100 kilogram forward, is retiring on his terms, something that seemed impossible a decade ago when his first club, the West Sydney Razorbacks went bust.
What followed was a procession of bad luck that led to Petrie joking he was the "curse" haunting the NBL.
Brisbane went broke next, the Illawarra Hawks almost followed and then the Gold Coast Blaze folded after three seasons.
Through it all he remained grounded, humble and optimistic, finally finding stability at the 36ers and the Bullets since 2012.
He defied the odds to make his debut for Australia, win the NBL most improved player award in 2010 and be an NBL all star in 2013.
It was a long way from his days of playing for the Gungahlin Bulls rugby league side or the Gunners in the South East Australian Basketball League.
In the end his body made the decision to retire for him. He's had four knee operations - the latest a microfracture that triggered the beginning of the end last year.
But through it all, his love of basketball and the NBL never diminished. Petrie, a father of four, will turn back to his teaching craft and settle down with his family when he walks away from basketball.
"The heart and mind might be willing, but you've got to be realistic," Petrie said.
"I know where my body is at. I feel pretty comfortable with the decision and where it's all at. I still remember when Rob Beveridge gave me a shot ... to be able to hang on for 11 seasons, it's been a great ride."
