"ALLEN IVERSON might have seen this day coming, but that probably doesn't soften the blow.

His basketball career is potentially over. His 4-year-old daughter is suffering from an undisclosed illness. And, now, his high-school sweetheart is leaving him.

On Tuesday - the same day Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski announced that Iverson was done for the season - his wife filed for divorce.

Tawanna Iverson declared in the divorce petition filed in Fulton County (Ga.) Superior Court, that their 8 1/2-year marriage is "irretrievably broken."

Her Atlanta-based attorney, John Mayoue, declined to comment yesterday on what led to the decision. He said Tawanna, who typically shuns the media spotlight, had preferred that the case not be publicized. The Iversons have lived in Atlanta since August.

News of the divorce was first reported yesterday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"Mrs. Iverson wishes this to be a private matter between her and her husband and therefore we will not be making any comment at this time," Mayoue told the Daily News.

At Sixers practice yesterday, a team spokesman said the coaches and players would not comment on Iverson's personal situation. Stefanski also declined to comment.

Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, had no comment.

The couple has been living in a "state of separation," according to court papers filed by Tawanna Iverson. She is requesting sole custody of their five children, ages 17 months to 15 years.

Last month, A.I. wrote in Twitter postings: "The last couple weeks have been very difficult for me and my family. I needed to be there to hold my little girl's hand and encourage her to get better. I wanted her to wake up every morning and see her Daddy's face, at least until she got better. Through God's Strength, She Will Keep Getting Better!"

In addition to custody of their children, Tawanna Iverson is seeking child support, alimony, attorneys' fees and an "equitable division" of their property.

Iverson has 30 days to respond to the divorce petition.

Allen and Tawanna, both 34, began dating when they were teenagers attending rival high schools in Virginia. Tawanna valued her privacy then as she has throughout her relationship with Iverson, even as he was starring for the basketball and football teams."