CHICAGO - Of the 77 players selected in the Season 50 PBA Rookie Draft last September 7, Cole Micek was arguably the most eligible bachelor,
Model. Actor. A baller with serious hops.
Although he brandished celebrity credentials, Cole is more than just a novelty act. He played college ball at Ateneo and at St. Francis in Illinois. He's a 3x3 veteran and recently suited up for the Macau Black Bears in The Asian Tournament.
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"Actually we thought he would go earlier. We drafted him (34th overall) to see more of him in practice because we do not know much about him," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao told me via text message.
Unfortunately, the Elasto Painters did not tender an offer, making the 28-year old Fil-Am from Los Angeles a free agent.
"We have an ample supply of guards. We have to bump off somebody if we were to sign him. I think he has what it takes to play in the PBA but he needs to find the right team which can complement his abilities," Guiao said.
I hope a PBA team inks Micek, not just to extend grace but to recognize that he can be a solid contributor if given the opportunity. With his fame and good looks, "gandang lalaki" as one agent quips, he can also boost a waning league attendance.
POSTER BOY.
Let's face it, personalities, not just talents, ramp up interest and viewership. While there is no shortage of stars in the PBA, most of them don't engage in media interviews and possess the appeal of a platter of blanched broccoli.
After signing the charming Fil-Italian Dalph Panopio, Blackwater suddenly looks like a sexy, lovable loser with a Big Three that includes Sedrick Barefiled and Christian David.
I'm not sure if it's possible, but Micek has a decent shot at making ugly Terrafirma appear somewhat appealing to the army of TikTok-wielding young sports fans out there that the PBA can market to.
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Even if he doesn't get a PBA contract, Micek will be just fine.
Instead of going to shootarounds, he'll just have to return to doing photo shoots. Instead of risking floor burns and bone aches on the hardcourt, he'll have to sashay on the catwalk where the odds of tearing an ACL are almost non-existent.
And while the poor guy won't have any teammates, he may have found a soul mate in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, who considered her relationship with Cole as "more than just friends."
Cole Micek is one lucky dude. Unsigned but not unhappy. .
CAPTAIN Q,
In another surprising turn, Sean Quitevis, who distinguished himself as a high-performance, high-character stud at Ateneo, did not get a contract offer.
"We have too many guaranteed contracts already," an official at TNT, which snagged the Cebuano guard with the 35th pick, told me yesterday.
Although relegated as a "practice player" for now, this doesn't mean he won't end up in the roster because TNT has had a spate of bad luck of late where they've had more falls and injuries than a nursing home.
Whatever the circumstance, Sean Q will be ready to go when called upon.
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