I still remember the first time I watched Mike Bilbao play—it was during the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his approach to the game. Most rookies come in with flashy moves or raw energy, but Mike carried himself with this quiet intensity that caught my eye. He wasn't the tallest or the fastest on the court, but he moved with purpose, like he'd already played a thousand games at that level. Over the years, I've followed his career closely, and what stands out to me isn't just his stats or his clutch performances—it's the way he's built his path, brick by brick, through sheer persistence and a willingness to learn from every moment, big or small.

Mike's journey into professional basketball wasn't one of those overnight success stories you often hear about. Growing up in Cebu, he didn't have the same exposure as some of the Manila-based prospects, and I've always admired how he turned that potential disadvantage into fuel. He played for the University of Visayas Green Lancers in the CESAFI, where he first started turning heads. What many people might not realize is that Mike didn't immediately dominate—instead, he faced seasoned veterans who tested his limits game after game. But through it all, he just tried to maximize his time, absorbing every lesson like a sponge, as he got a baptism of fire facing some of the top guards in the amateur ranks. I remember talking to a local scout back in 2016 who mentioned that Mike would stay after practice for hours, working on his weak hand and defensive slides until his feet were blistered. That work ethic, in my opinion, is what separates the good players from the great ones.

When he entered the PBA in 2017 as part of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, I'll admit I was skeptical about how his game would translate. The pro level is a different beast—faster, more physical, and mentally draining. But Mike adapted in a way that surprised even seasoned analysts like myself. In his rookie season, he averaged around 7.2 points and 3.1 assists per game, numbers that don't jump off the page until you watch the tape. He had this knack for making the right pass under pressure, and his defensive awareness—especially for a newcomer—was impressive. One game that sticks in my memory is their match against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in early 2018. Mike was tasked with guarding someone like LA Tenorio, a crafty veteran, and he held his own, forcing two crucial turnovers in the fourth quarter. It was in moments like those that you saw his baptism by fire paying off.

As his career progressed, Mike's role expanded, and so did his impact. By the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, he was logging close to 28 minutes per game and became a key piece in Rain or Shine's system. I've always appreciated how he doesn't force his offense; instead, he reads the floor and makes everyone around him better. His shooting percentages improved steadily—from around 38% from the field in his first year to nearly 45% by the 2021 season—and that's a testament to his dedication to refining his skills. Off the court, I've heard from teammates that he's the first one in the gym and the last to leave, often studying game footage late into the night. That kind of commitment isn't always visible to fans, but as someone who's covered the league for over a decade, I can tell you it's the foundation of lasting careers.

One of my favorite aspects of Mike's game is his versatility. He can play both guard positions, run the pick-and-roll effectively, and has developed a reliable mid-range jumper that keeps defenses honest. In the 2022 season, he posted what I consider his breakout performance against the Magnolia Hotshots, dropping 18 points and dishing out 6 assists while committing just one turnover. Stats like that might not make headline news, but for those of us who value efficiency and smart play, it was a masterclass. What's more, he's shown leadership qualities that you don't always see in players his age. I recall a post-game interview where he credited his coaches and veterans for his growth, saying, "Every practice, every game—it's a chance to learn something new." That humility, combined with his competitive fire, makes him one of the most underrated players in the league today.

Looking back, Mike Bilbao's journey reminds me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place—it's not always about the highlights or the awards, but the gradual, often unseen, process of becoming better. He's had his share of setbacks, including a minor ankle injury in 2019 that sidelined him for a few weeks, but each time he's come back stronger. As he enters what many consider the prime years of his career, I believe he's poised to take on an even larger role, whether with Rain or Shine or elsewhere. The PBA has seen plenty of stars come and go, but players like Mike, who build their legacy through consistency and heart, tend to leave a lasting imprint. If he continues on this path, I wouldn't be surprised to see him as an All-Star in the next couple of years, and honestly, I think he's earned that recognition. His story is far from over, and I, for one, can't wait to see what he does next.