Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Mike Gamboa is going to get another year of living his PBA dream.
The diminutive 5-foot-6 guard signed a one-year deal with current club Phoenix in what he described as the culmination of all his hard work.
“Thank you to God, my family, mom and dad I love you! My supportive brothers I love you all. And to everyone who has helped me in this journey,” said Gamboa through social media. “To my fiancé Carmen and baby Mikee, you’re the reason why I made it and each practice/game is dedicated to you! I love you both! Let’s go Phoenix!”
Gamboa started his basketball career at Ateneo before moving to University of the Philippines in the UAAP but decided he would go into the corporate life when he graduated in 2013.
Following a year of working in an office, Gamboa tirelessly worked hard in achieving the dream he almost lost. He eventually became the ninth pick in the second round of the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft by Rain or Shine.
Gamboa, however, wasn’t signed and he went on to play for Bread Story and Hapee in the PBA D-League. He also played for Pilipinas MX3 in the ASEAN Basketball League in 2016.
The year 2017, though, was the toughest for Gamboa as he was an almost invisible figure basketball circles until Phoenix head coach Louie Alas sent him an invite to try out for the Fuel Masters.
It was also at this time that Gamboa found out he was about to be a father, and the looming family life was what ignited the fire within the point guard’s heart.
“Everyone kept on telling me what my plan should be and I should start facing reality,” said Gamboa. “Only my girlfriend and a few friends believed that I was still going to make it to the PBA, it was then I always asked God why He put me back to playing basketball again.”
“I found out that my girlfriend was pregnant and immediately finding out that I was going to be a father, I had that fire back and I knew I had to give it one last shot for my future baby and family.”
Gamboa played a total of 12 games for the Fuel Masters in the 2017-18 season, averaging 2.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.