Cole Micek isn’t just another pretty boy in the PBA Season 50 Draft Class.
Cole Micek was definitely a name that stood out leading up to the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
It wasn’t because Cole was the son of a former player, nor was it because he’s a star player coming from a top-flight university. Rather, Cole’s name stood out because he was best known for his work in showbiz, having built a reputation as an actor and a model that has been featured in top fashion magazines.
Some fans may have brushed off Cole as another pretty boy chasing his hoop dreams or some showbiz guy suddenly aspiring to be a professional athlete. In fact, even the 29-year-old himself is well-aware of these criticisms after he threw his hat into the PBA draft.
“Yeah, I’ve always had to fight that lately you know? Because there’s been a lot of modeling stuff that comes out, pero I’ve been a basketball player my whole life,” Cole told The GAME in an exclusive interview during the draft festivities on Sunday, September 7.
“Like I’ve played since I was a baby, my dad was a college coach and basketball is my number one priority, my number one passion, and my first love.”
On Sunday, Cole Micek moved one step closer to proving his doubters wrong after being selected in the third round (34th overall) by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to join a draft haul led by UST big Christian Manaytay, DLSU guard Joshua David, and Letran sniper Deo Cuajao.
“I just want to show people that, hey, I’m a basketball player first, and the modeling stuff, the acting stuff, that’s on the side. Tapos, sa PBA career ko, I’m really focused on basketball,” Cole said. “Maybe if I have time to do the other stuff, I can, but that’s in the offseason. So, basketball is first talaga. So, I hope that they understand that I’m always a hooper first.”
Cole’s basketball resumé isn’t too shabby either as he enters Rain or Shine, having played in the NCAA Division 1 with the St. Francis (Illinois) Fighting Saints, before moving to the University of St. Francis Red Flash in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Cole has also sharpened his craft in the 3×3 circuit, and was most recently with the Macau Black Bears in The Asian Tournament, and during the FIBA Asia Cup tuneup against Gilas Pilipinas last July at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But what exactly can he bring should he land a roster spot in Yeng Guiao’s E-Painters?
“I’m also a really good teammate. I love lifting my teammates up and bringing really good energy. I’m an energy giver and I’m just here to do whatever it takes to help the team win,” Cole said.
Cole also pointed out the impact of 3×3 basketball toward his overall game.
“Being a 3×3 player, you have to have a really high basketball IQ. Also, it’s really improved my defense, you have to guard everybody. The big guys are trying to push you up and you have to be physical and tough. I think that really correlates with Philippine basketball,” he said.
Again, it remains to be seen whether or not Cole Micek will be getting a roster spot with Rain or Shine heading into the PBA’s 50th season, as he and his fellow rookies will still have to prove themselves before Guiao and his coaches once training camp begins.
“Titignan din namin because we might get surprised by any of these guys. Sa tingin ko wala tayo ‘yung superstars na ready made na magkakaroon ng immediate impact, pero I feel that the potential of these guys is on the high side. ‘Yung difference ng early picks sa late picks, hindi ganoon kalaki eh,” Guiao said of Rain or Shine’s selection process.
“Parang chambahan lang din ito, baka mayroon ka makita diyan na magiging Jhonard Clarito, or magiging Adrian Nocum. So all teams, including us, we’re always looking for those finds, and there is an opportunity to draft these guys, see them in practice, and make a decision.”
Regardless of what happens, Cole Micek is just excited to prove his mettle in the Philippine basketball scene, with his modeling gigs taking a backseat if he lands that coveted spot within Rain or Shine’s roster.
“Yeah, yeah, super on the side! My focus is on the team, with Rain or Shine and doing whatever it takes to help the team win,” Cole said. “I’m just really excited to show what I got and show my skillset! I’ve been playing my whole life and I’ve had international experience. I’ve kind of played all over, especially in 3×3.”
“I’m just super excited to show my skill set and show what I’ve been working on my whole entire life.”
Banner images courtesy of the Philippine Basketball Association.