Talent’s own jersey, ZADIG + VOLTAIRE shirt, AMIRI tie, R. SWIADER trousers. Photographed by Raen Badua for the July 2024 Issue of Vogue Man Philippines
Cole Micek now explores life as a space wherein his two worlds—fashion and hoop—intertwine.
“I’m 28-years-old now, and I’ve been playing for 27 years,” Cole Micek shares about his passion on the basketball court. “It’s a beautiful sport. I just enjoy it so much.”
Crediting his dad as his life-long trainer, his history included him playing in the 3×3 basketball division as part of Team Los Angeles. With an impressive 94 percent Excellent Synergy Ranking in Overall Offense, a Top 10 in the USF Program History for 3-Point Field Goals Made, and training alongside the Olympic Team, his achievements are the stellar stuff that hoop dreams are made of.
Born in Los Angeles, the Filipino-American’s journey in basketball was also marked by relentless trial and error in training, immersing himself in scrimmages and playing extensively to refine his skills. “It’s really exciting and it’s always fun to play. I never thought I’d be a 3×3 player. It’s super fast-paced and it’s physical,” he reflects. Despite facing numerous challenges on and off the basketball court, Micek’s determination never wavered. He endured bone spurs, torn ankle ligaments, and a torn meniscus, among other injuries. “Injuries. It was kind of tough for me. But I’ve spent countless hours in the gym, training and doing all the right things to get me to this point. I just need to attack it,” he shares, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport.
But basketball is just one aspect of Micek’s diverse experiences. The athlete also made a significant mark in modeling. “It wasn’t always in the cards,” he reflects. Interestingly, his journey into modeling started in the Philippines when friends asked him to model their university’s merchandise shirts. “I had never modeled a day in my life and I ended up enjoying it,” he reveals.
While excelling in both basketball and modeling, Micek had moments wherein he felt as though he had to choose between the two. “There was an opportunity to film a TV show because of the National Championship that I really wanted to do. It’s kind of like a Troy Bolton moment, if you will. There’s definitely a pick. Those around me have been really amazing and gracious about me still pursuing this dream of basketball I have,” he shares. Micek is evidently knowledgeable in the balancing life of ball and fashion, even being able to find ways in which they have intersected and supplemented each other.
“On the court, I have a different persona. I’m ready to dominate and kill. It’s called Mamba Mentality. It’s confidence. So, I try to do that while I’m modeling on set. You know, when serving looks. There’s an intersection for sure with how you present yourself and keep moving,” he shares.
Micek and representation are closely linked, with visibility among Filipinos being highly significant for the athlete and model. “I think we’re making some real progress,” he notes, “But, there’s still such a long way to go as far as having more Filipinos in the mainstream media. I’m excited to see more.”
Amidst all the points scored, Micek experienced numerous highlights, both in basketball and modeling. “I think in basketball,” Cole recalls, “hitting a game-winner in Debrecen, Hungary. We were down probably 20 to 14 and we came all the way back. We won and I was able to hit the step-back game winner.” In modeling, Micek also achieved significant milestones. “I’m just always happy to work with some really cool, fun teams, collaborating on some projects, and being with good people with great energy. That’s always a high for me,” he shares.
By DANYL GENECIRAN. Photographs by RAEN BADUA. Styling by LUCA KINGSTON and AMANDA LIM. Interview by Gia Rufino. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Producer: Anz Hizon. Stylist’s Assistant: Robbie Lundegard.
