Social media went abuzz after content creator Harmz Hui, more popularly known as "Mr. Long Bomb," surprisingly made the pros by way of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL).
Hui — whose content is mainly predicated on him ridiculously shooting from way, way beyond the arc — was not the only influencer to make the jump.
Alongside him was Jonah Renz Jacob aka "Kobe ng Pinas," who is also seeing action in the PSL.
Not a few sports fans reacted strongly to this move, sharing their opinions as to whether influencers or content creators deserve a spot in pro leagues.
This prompted One Sports to reach out to PBA coaches on their take on the issue.
For veteran Rain or Shine mentor Yeng Guiao, the decision lies on the hands of the aspiring player, as long as he is "not harming anybody or breaking any law" in the pursuit of his dream.
"Wala naman, eh, no. Sa akin, as long as you don’t harm anybody, as long as you’re not breaking the law, wala kang pineperhuwisyo and people want to get entertained with your content, desisyon ng mga tao 'yun,” said Guiao.
“Ang sa akin, to each his own. As long as you’re not creating any harm and you're not breaking any law. 'Yun lang ang importante.”
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Guiao said that he is not one to stand in the influencers' or content creators' way if they really do want to play in the pros.
"Some people might want to do it. Some might feel that they are providing entertainment or maybe boosting their own egos. Nasa sa kanila 'yun. Hindi ko sila pipigilan," said Guiao.
Meanwhile, TNT chief tactician Chot Reyes bared that he is unaware about the latest influencers to suit up in the PSL and thus has initially declined to comment.
“Actually, if you didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know, eh. So I have no comment because I have no knowledge about it," said Reyes.
Asked if he thought that a team getting influencers was part of a marketing ploy, Reyes said: "Could be. But like I said, I don’t know enough to comment. But it’s a free world. People can do what they want to do.”
As for Strong Group Athletics head coach and Converge deputy Charles Tiu, he said that playing professionally is tougher than people think it is. While many may be good at playing basketball, not everyone is made for the competition in that level.
“My only comment is, people think it’s so easy to play at a pro level, but these guys [who play in the pros] are really good,” said Tiu.
“I think, sometimes, people think it’s so easy, but being a pro is tough. There are so many guys who are really good at basketball but can’t compete with pros.”
Reyes, too, emphasized that getting to the pro ranks is a whole different ball game.
"To each his own. If that's what they want to do, who am I to stop them, right? But if they want to get to this level, this is a very different level," said Reyes.
Years ago, actor Gerald Anderson also made his pro debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League — a move which piqued interest and curiosity.
Eventually, Anderson, a varsity player in high school, has proven that he is a no-nonsense basketball player, putting in the work day in and day out to earn the respect of his peers.
“Gerald is legit though. He can really play. He’s a good player," said Tiu.
Kyt Jimenez, a former Perpetual Help player in the NCAA, also rose to prominence by way of social media before being drafted by San Miguel.
He is now playing for the Zamboanga Valientes, who are currently competing in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
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Guiao recognizes the advantage of getting influencers as part of a marketing strategy especially with the impact of social media.
But the 65-year-old advised netizens to assess the content that they consume: would it be beneficial to them or would it just be a waste of time?
"Marami nang naging resulta ang social media, eh. Ako, ang ipinapayo ko lang, critical thinking ng mga tao. Piliin natin kung anong makabubuti sa atin, sa mga pinapakinggan at pinapanood natin,” Guiao said.
“Kasi kung minsan, na-e-entertain ka nga, baka hindi naman makabubuti sa’yo yun. Or baka 'yung oras mo, nauubos sa ganoon. Mas magandang may paggamitan ka nang maayos doon sa oras mo.”
Asked for his tips for influencers who aspire to play in the PBA or other pro leagues and are determined to earn their stripes, Guiao said that if it really is their passion and they are committed in realizing their dream, then, by all means, they should pursue it.
But it is also important to do a self-assessment as to whether they possess the skill level needed in the professional ranks.
“Kung talagang passion mo, kung talagang sa tingin mo that will also make you happy, mayroon kang commitment doon sa passion mong 'yun, pursue it,” Guiao said.
“Pero we also need to be realistic, eh. At some point, malalaman mo namang ito lang 'yung kaya ko, ito lang 'yung limit ko. Just knowing your limits and knowing when to quit kumbaga.”
But if there’s really no stopping them from trying to reach for the stars, Tiu suggested to stop doing it for the clout.
“If you want to pursue it, put in the work. It has to come first over getting hits of followers or viewers. When no one is watching, that’s where you work on your game,” Tiu said.