He’s a FIBA 3×3 basketball player with the L.A. Legends, a full time fashion model, a rising TikTok star with over twelve million likes – and to add to that, Cole Micek, a Filipino-American-Boy-Wonder, is currently filming his first feature film. And he’s just getting started. A native of Southern California, Micek was raised in an athletic family where both his mother and sister played varsity volleyball and his father played basketball all throughout college. His dad was also a coach by profession and Cole started shooting hoops when he was only a year old. He became serious with the game during his teens and his passion for basketball brought him to the Philippines where he played point and shooting guard for Ateneo De Manila University. Eventually, he moved back to the United States and became the team captain and leading scorer for The University of Saint Francis in Illinois. Cole graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology in 2020 and is a lifetime member of the Psy Chi International honor society.

Standing six feet tall with a defined jawline, an athletic build and a winning smile, it was just a matter of time that this star player would also end up in magazines, print ads and billboards. Micek signed with Wilhelmina Model Management, one of the most famous modeling agencies in the world, in 2017. His notable commercials include modeling for Amazon, Ford, Theragun, Pokémon, Quay Australia and Men’s Wearhouse. In the past year alone he did campaigns for clients such as Hugo Boss, Guess, Disney, Kohl’s, Men’s Wearhouse and Oliver People’s.

Micek worked as a skills trainer for Sports Academy (formerly Mamba Sports Academy), launched in 2018 by the late great Kobe Bryant. Not only did he meet his ultimate idol, he also coached Kobe’s daughter Gigi’s team one summer season. Basketball has opened many doors and connections for this young athlete, including the start of his friendship with Hollywood A-lister Jamie Foxx, who trains at the Academy. What started as a random game led to Cole becoming Foxx’s basketball trainer. As their friendship deepened, the Fil-Am baller found a big brother and mentor in Foxx.

Sports and academics may have always been priority for Micek but he has also envisioned himself as an actor ever since he acted in Shakespeare plays in Elementary school. This past summer, the twenty five year old baby face landed his first acting role in a feature film playing a high school basketball player named Kobe Young, in a faith based coming-of-age drama entitled “And One”. The movie is directed by Filipino American director Reno Ursal.

I sat down with Cole and his welcoming demeanor and optimism instantly radiated as we started conversing. The interview that follows is just a glimpse of how exceptional this young athlete, actor and model is. The man is barely scratching the surface and I can’t wait to see how all his future plans and dreams unfold. Lately, there have been many phenomenal Filipinx making waves in their chosen fields, but there is only one who is simultaneously taking his shots in professional sports, fashion and entertainment. Let’s get to know the Fil-Am triple threat who exudes great confidence, determination and a positive outlook. Let’s get to know Cole Micek.

Can you share some of your best memories from your stay in the Philippines? What did you learn from our people and our culture that you didn’t know before moving there?

I really enjoyed my stay in the Philippines. Moving across the globe by yourself at 18 isn’t always easy. I was lucky to be welcomed in with open arms, from everyone from my family out there to my teammates, coaches and friends that I made. Some of my best memories were the practices, training camp in Baler, watching my sister’s volleyball tournaments, and of course being able to travel within the country and go island hopping. I have some really fond memories with my family out there and just enjoying the comradely of teammates with all different kinds of cultures and backgrounds.

I learned how basketball crazy they are out there. It was really cool to see how loyal the fan bases were to the college and pro teams. Everyone was very kind and very willing to help and be of assistance. I learned how important it is to show respect for the elderly. I miss going over to my Lolo Johnny’s house, doing the “Mano po” and listening to his stories. I was very blessed to be around good people that looked after me and am forever thankful for them. I’ve always been extremely proud of my Filipino heritage but it was so special for me to actually live there and meet my family out there as well as visit the provinces where my lolo and lola (grandfather and grandmother) grew up. I felt like I was able to assimilate rather quickly to the culture because I was so eager to learn about my own culture and I just remember fully embracing it and always asking my teammates to help me with my Tagalog. Hopefully I can make it back there someday to visit friends and family.

What were some of the challenges you faced growing up being mixed race? How did you overcome them?

Growing up as a person of mixed race definitely was challenging at times, and still is. I think people often are misinformed of the struggles that someone of mixed race deals with. I would struggle with my own identity and it wasn’t until I got older where I really started to find myself and understand who I am and where I belong. I remember shying away from my Filipino heritage in elementary school. It wasn’t “cool” to be Asian back then. I remember I wanted my eyes to be bigger like my white friends because I would get made fun of for my slanted almond shaped eyes. As I got older I learned to love myself and embrace both of my cultures and with immense pride.

When I was young I remember the confusion on people’s faces when I would be walking around with my dad. Fast forward to young adulthood. To the white community I am considered Asian or Filipino. On the basketball court it was always “oh there’s the Asian point guard”. I even faced lots of derogatory terms and racial slurs while playing basketball in high school and college.

However, there are some people in the Asian community that refuse to fully accept me because I’m mixed. I get comments on my social media platforms and people say “oh he’s white passing” or “you’re not really Asian” which used to really frustrate me. Now that I’ve done some identity searching myself I’ve been able to brush a lot of those things off. It is still tough at times to be mixed because we feel like we don’t necessarily belong. I just hope people will be more understanding and empathetic to the mixed ethnicity people and not try and tell them how to live their lives or tell them what they can or can’t do based on their appearance. I just approach everything with love and if anyone wants to bully me, be stereotypical or try to put me in a box, I just shrug my shoulders and say that’s on them and their own insecurities.

As an athlete and a fashion model, you have to take care of your physical appearance. What is your work out routine and your skin regimen?

I usually do a core and light stretching/ yoga routine in the morning to start my day. I lift 3-4 days a week and I mix up whether I’m doing cardio, Hiit or lifting weights. I shoot or do a basketball workout nearly everyday and that’s where I get most of my cardio. I also try to switch up my workouts too so I’m not always doing the same thing. Sometimes I’ll go do sprints and plyos at the beach or sandhill. Sometimes I’ll do a boxing workout where I’m switching off with lots of jump rope and hitting the heavy bag.

My skin regimen is recommended by my dermatologist. I’ve been struggling with acne since I was 18. I was on Accutane in college and it didn’t really work for me. Lately I’ve been just trying to keep it simple with a gentle cleanser morning and night. SPF every morning and I’ll throw in an AHA/ BHA exfoliator a few times a week. I use a topical retinol cream prescribed to me to try and lighten dark spots and scars. My skin is best when I’m keeping my routine simple, alleviating stress, exercising regularly, eating well and drinking lots of water. But makeup always helps my skin look better on shoots and stuff haha.

Take us back to the time when you met your idol, Kobe Bryant. What is the story behind “Go Get Buckets”?

Man, it’s such a special story to me which is why I don’t mind sharing it. I first met Kobe back in July of 2018. I was training at Sports Academy getting ready for my junior season at St. Francis. The gym was closed off because Kobe had his daughter Gigi’s team there for a training camp. My boss at the time was nice enough to come and let me work out on another court. I was on court 3 working out on the shooting machine with my friend JD rebounding and passing to me. Then in the corner of my eye I noticed Kobe standing at the coffee bar about 30 yards away watching me work out intently. Once I noticed his eyes were locked in on me I told myself alright “Kobe’s watching you, you better show him how hard you work.” I remember being on fire throughout the workout. I barely missed a shot. After I completed my workout I went straight up to Kobe, he had a big smile on his face. I was nervous to meet him because he was my idol and superhero growing up. I respected his game, his work ethic, and mentality to the highest degree. I stuck out my hand and said “Hey Kobe, it’s such an honor to meet you.” He gave me the firmest handshake and immediately asked my name and complimented my jump shot. He said, “You got a really smooth stroke and I see you working hard, where do you play?” I immediately smiled and told him thank you so much that means a lot. I told him I just finished up playing JUCO ball and signed a full scholarship to play at University of St. Francis in Illinois. He told me “Congratulations that’s amazing. Go Get Buckets”. Thats when I responded, “Thank you, I’ll try my best.”

He stopped me in my tracks and said “Nahhhhh f*ck that. I don’t want to hear any of that try my best sh*t. You’re going to go out there and do it. You got it in you so just go and make it happen and don’t say you’ll try.” I smiled and said “you’re right thank you so much. I’m going to go out there and do it, sir.” I gave him another handshake and we proceeded to talk hoops and he gave me some more basketball advice. I’ll never forget that interaction and it has helped me tremendously in my life since then. For one of the best basketball players that ever played the game and someone I respected so much to have that kind of impression and give me advice on the first day meeting him meant the world to me. Not everyone gets that. Kobe was just special. He wanted to see others succeed and he wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves. Go Get Buckets means to go out there and do whatever you’re passionate about, whatever brings you the most joy, and to do it with no fear, no regrets, and extreme confidence. I was very lucky to be able to help coach and have a few more interactions with Kobe and his daughter’s team while he was still around. I am forever thankful for what he did not only for me, but for millions around the world.

What do you try to instill to the kids that you coach and train? Any advice to young athletes?

I try to instill hard work, dedication, persistence and just doing what you love. Whatever it is you do or whatever you’re passionate about I tell people to go all in. I also try to preach that there is no more of this idea of being a one trick pony or just solely focusing on one thing. It is okay to have multiple passions and you can get really good at a few different things. Another piece of advice I would have is to make sure you are surrounded by good people and good energy. Keep your family close and hang out with the right crowd. Have fun, enjoy life, but also know when it is time to lock in and put the work in. For the kids that want to play their sport past high school you have to be the first one in the gym and the last to leave. You need to put in extra work to separate yourself from the rest. That means getting it done in the classroom too. School is extremely important because you can’t play and excel at your sport if you’re behind in the classroom. Time management is key for being able to balance good grades, your sport, and a social life.

How do you describe your style and who are your fashion influences?

I would describe my style as simple but versatile. I’ve definitely been stepping up my fashion game as I’ve gotten older. Before I would just wear basketball clothes everyday. While I still do that of course I’ve definitely upgraded my wardrobe. I’ve definitely been accessorizing more as far as rings, bracelets, and necklaces (shoutout Loupn). I really love simple and vintage vibes. I’ve been really into earth tones lately. I’ve been getting better about putting outfits together. And I’ve always been a sneaker head so I’m always trying to match my kicks with any outfit I put together. My fashion is influenced a bit by some NBA players with great fashion like Devin Booker and Jordan Clarkson. Jamie Foxx always has dope fits on and we wear the same size so I get the hand me downs haha. A lot of my clothes and shoes are free or I get them on sale or at a thrift store.

Tell us about your friendship with Jamie Foxx. How did that come about?

I met Jamie back in 2016 at Sports Academy. He came in and was working out to stay in shape in between filming his movies. He was working out in the sports performance section and one day he joined us on the court for a basketball game. We started playing basketball a lot together and then I became his basketball trainer to give him a fun source of cardio. He was a 3 sport athlete in high school and is still very athletic. I started training him in basketball consistently every summer and offseason for me. The more and more we hung out, the more and more he became like a big brother figure to me. I’m always thankful because he always looks out for me like family. Gyms were closed during quarantine, so he opened up his weight room and outdoor basketball court for me to stay in top shape since I was training to play pro ball. Foxx has helped me a ton and has always hyped me up. I can only say good things about him because he is truly the most genuine dude and family man. He is a giver with a heart of gold and has helped me so much with my confidence on and off the court. He constantly reminds me that “I got it” and he can’t wait to see me at the top. My first acting scene was with him and I’ve rapped a verse on a song with him lol. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch him work on his many crafts and in the writing rooms in the studio. He is the best storyteller in the world and is always entertaining. The man you guys see on TV when he is running around dancing, singing and telling jokes on Jimmy Fallon is the same when he’s at home with his family. He is a superhuman and takes care of so many people which is why I’m always grateful for our friendship.

You’re a pro basketball player, a full time model, you create music and you act as well; is there anything else you want to be better at? Something that challenges you?

I want to continue to build and get better at all of those things. There is always room for improvement and while I am extremely grateful for what I’ve already accomplished, I feel like this is just the beginning. I really want to hone in and continue to get better at acting. I fell in love with it and I want to see where it can take me. There is so much that goes into the world of acting and I respect the craft too much to not prepare, study, and take classes to become the best that I can be. Of course I am always training on the court and in the weight room for basketball. 3×3 is a different game than what I grew up playing so there is always room for improvement in that too. I watch a ton of game films and my dad who is our coach and my individual trainer has helped a ton as far as breaking down concepts and creating our transition offense and in game strategies.

Share something random that not many people know about you. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can juggle while balancing on a medicine ball haha. I once made 3 half court shots in a row for a Powerade basketball commercial and didn’t get the job lol.

You’ve said once in an interview “Injuries are part of the game, much like trials are part of life.” How do you bounce back from a bad game? Or a bad day?

I bounce back from a bad game by first evaluating what went wrong and what I could do better to help my team win and have a different outcome. I think when you take a step back and have some constructive criticism in basketball it can help. Understanding that it’s not my last game I’m going to play also helps. I remember after a loss in the Philippines my teammates would always say, “Bawi. Next game na lang.” (Let’s make up for it on the next game) I didn’t like it at first because I wanted to win every game and I would get really frustrated after a tough loss. But then I learned that my teammates were right. It’s okay to be mad and frustrated after a loss, but you have to look forward to the next one. Because there will be a next game. Just like there will be a tomorrow. So if you’re having a bad day just remember that it always gets better. There’s always tomorrow. Surround yourself with loved ones to remind you of how blessed and loved you truly are. I constantly remind myself of the things God has blessed me with in life and I make sure to practice gratitude daily.

Tell us a little bit about the movie that you are currently working on.

We’re currently in production! I am super passionate and overjoyed to be a part of the film! It’s going to be great I can just feel it. The whole cast and crew are amazing. Our energies and personalities clicked right away and the chemistry is definitely showing on screen. Our director is Filipino- American along with our 1st AD, writers, producers and a majority of the cast! I am so thrilled to be a part of a film with so many talented members of the Filipinx community. And we filmed during Filipino American history month. A very proud Pinoy moment!

The film is a faith based coming of age drama with both basketball and musical elements. It follows the story of Robby and Mia who are childhood sweethearts and both play for their high school basketball team. I play the role of Kobe Young, the confident, lighthearted, and playful 18 year old kid. He is the basketball team’s sharpshooter. It’s my first movie role and it just feels right. I remember when the director called me and asked if he could offer me the role of Kobe. I was almost in shock. After I took a second to realize what was going on I said “Of course!!” It truly means a lot to me and it all just feels so surreal. I feel blessed beyond belief.

What does being Filipino American mean to you?

Being Filipino American means the world to me. I am so proud to be Pinoy which is why I always represent whenever I get the chance to. It means that my family left their country and everything that they were comfortable and accustomed to and immigrated here to the United States. I often ask my Lola Nena to share stories on her experience in the Philippines and why she decided to come here and start a brand new life in the States. What she shares with me is always profound. My grandparents wanted a better life for themselves, and a better life for their family. I am forever grateful for them for having the courage to leave during Martial Law and coming here for a better life. Even though we are no longer residing in the Philippines, it doesn’t mean we cannot be fully immersed in our own Filipino culture. I still practice my Tagalog with my family because I don’t want to lose it. I make sure I’m at every Filipino family party with an empty stomach because I know my titas (aunts) are going to keep telling me to eat haha. Being Filipino American also means to celebrate those that paved the way and came before us. We should celebrate the ones that have done exemplary things. Being a minority in this entertainment industry and basketball world, makes me work that much harder to truly represent and do things the right way. I want to be a good role model to the young Filipino kids that look up to me and that might want to act, model or play basketball like me.

The name if the magazine is “Hiraya” which means fruit of one’s hopes, dreams and aspirations: What do you still hope for, dream of and aspire to become?

Wow that is such a beautiful Tagalog word. I still have countless hopes and dreams. I am constantly writing down my short term, mid term, and long term goals. But first I’m aspiring to be the best version of myself every day and the best human being. I want to be able to make an impact and truly make a difference in people’s lives. I’m dreaming to be in a position someday where I can use my platform for things that I’m passionate about. I want to help others, especially marginalized groups. With my athletic career, I’m currently aspiring and training to play in the Olympics for 3×3 basketball. I’m hoping to continue to model and make some shockwaves in the fashion world because there aren’t a whole lot of Filipino male models on the scene. And I’m dreaming of landing my first lead role in a feature film where I can truly represent and put Filipinos in the best light possible.

I just want to finish with thank you so much for this awesome interview. I had an absolute blast. Maraming salamat po.

Follow Cole on his socials: Instagram: @colemicek TikTok: @colemicek12

Cover photo by: Andrew M. Gleason