SHOULD CONTENT CREATORS BE BANNED FROM PRO BASKETBALL? TITO MIKEE SPEAKS

CELEBRITIES, CONTENT CREATORS, and various influencers have tried venturing into professional basketball and we've seen some highs as seen from Gerald Anderson's performances on the hardwood, and some memes courtesy of Manny Pacquiao's awkward looking jumpshot in the PBA.

Recently, the Pilipinas Super League stirred some controversies by involving two notable content creators, who are now considered professional basketball players, namely Harmz Hui aka Mr. Long Bomb, and Jonah Renz Jacob aka 'Kobe' ng Pinas. 

Given what has transpired, many fans have questioned the PSL's reputation, and to add to the reflections of the community, former pro basketball player Mikee Reyes shared his sentiments on social media.

Tito Mikee didn't mention any leagues or teams, but his statement may seem to echo recent events. 

Pro basketball deserves a lot of respect

"Mahirap makuha respeto ng professional basketball players kung hindi nila nakikitang sineseryoso mo ang kabuhayan nila. Feeling nila hindi mo nirerespeto ang paraan pano nila napapakain pamilya nila. Kahit saang industriya naman ata?" he started. 

He even highlighted the various difficulty spikes that players endure, reaching peak levels in professional play saying: "May iba ibang level ang basketball. And again, kanya kanyang lugar lang yan. Pag nasa papawis ang pro player, naiintindihan nila na for fun lang yan. Pero ibang usapan pag nasa professional setting or panalay."

One of the most notable examples of celebrities venturing into pro play stem from Geraldo Anderson who is renowned for his acting gigs, but he slowly drew the respect from the community due to the degree of respect to the craft. 

"Ask Gerald Anderson, at yung trato sakanya nung una siyang pumasok vs ngayon. Pinakita niya kasi na willing siyang magtrabaho, sa mga ensayo at sa mga laro." reflected Reyes. 

PHOTO: Pilipinas Super League, Kulas Photography

Should content creators be banned from trying pro ball? 

As he went on with the discussions, Tito Mikee highlighted an important food for thought to the community. "Should we be against celebs or content creators na nagta-try sa pro basketball?"

Reyes' response highlighted the most important aspect of professional ball, respect. 

"Of c(ourse) not," he reiterated. "Kung pangarap nila talaga yan and binigyan sila ng opportunity, sino ba naman tayo para pagbawalan sila? Pero iba yung sinali ka sa tinanggap ka, kaya importante na seryosohin at respetuhin ang kabuhayan ng mga andiyan. 

And to those who aspire to follow into the footsteps of Mr. Long Bomb and others, Tito Mikee warned these hopefuls of the dangers that lie ahead.

"Asahan niyo na yan, pipisikalin kayo. Kahit sinong rookie naman tetestingin muna. Kung di kayo bumigay, at tuloy tuloy kayong maka-adjust, slowly matatanggap din nila kayo sa mundo nila."

Only time will tell if Mr. Long Bomb and Jonah Renz Jacob will follow Tito Mikee's advice and elevate their craft to the levels of professional standards. 

2025-01-10T14:05:50Z