Cole Micek Is in a League of His Own
In this edition of Preview Go-See, the basketball athlete-turned-model gets real about chasing two dreams at once.
Published on Sep 30, 2025
Call him a real-life Troy Bolton if you will. But instead of juggling school musicals and basketball games, Cole Micek splits his time between global fashion campaigns and life on the court. Few models can say they’ve balanced an international career in front of the camera with pursuing basketball overseas, but the 29-year-old thrives in that double life. Both paths demand discipline and resilience, qualities that have shaped his story in unexpected ways.
“I never thought I’d get into modeling—I was always just super focused on school and basketball,” he recalls. At the time, he was studying and playing at Ateneo de Manila University when classmates asked him to pose for school merchandise sold in the student bookstore. What started as a casual favor led to his first few shoots in Manila, including one for Candy Magazine.
Although modeling was far from his plan, the experience would set things in motion for his now-prolific career.
Fil-Am Athlete Cole Micek Talks About His Modeling Journey
In 2017, Cole signed with multinational agency Wilhelmina Models. Nearly a decade in, Cole has fronted campaigns for international brands like Hugo Boss, Lucky Brand, and Sperry.“What I love most about it is getting to travel and meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life,” he says.
The journey, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. “Maybe the biggest struggle was just to get work as an Asian-American male model starting out,” he shares. Opportunities were initially limited, and rejection became an inevitable part of the process. But resilience nonetheless guided him through.
“I’ve learned [that a] no just means [I should focus on the] next opportunity and to always stay ready,” he says. That perspective—combined with his work ethic as an athlete—has kept Cole grounded, even as the industry slowly opened its doors to more diverse representation.
Still, Cole emphasizes that a career in basketball has always been the dream— a goal that he tirelessly reaches for to this day.
Modeling, he explains, was never meant to replace that dream. But in many ways, the craft has opened his eyes to a a career filled with lessons and opportunities that continue to shape him. “I may be the only international model that has pursued an overseas basketball career simultaneously,” he says with pride.
Ahead, get to know more about Cole Micek and his journey.
.jpg?format=original)
How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
“I actually started my modeling journey here in the Philippines. I was playing basketball and studying in Ateneo and my classmates asked me to model for the GetBlued shirts in the student bookstore. I never thought I’d get into modeling. I was always just super focused on school and basketball. But I enjoyed trying something new so I did some shoots in the Philippines.”
“I think one of my first ones was for Candy Magazine. And then when I went back home to the States to study and finish my college, I signed with Wilhelmina in 2017 and have been with them worldwide ever since!”
How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?
“I guess you could say I started in 2016 or 2017. What I love most about it is getting to travel, and meeting people from all walks of life. “
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
“Actually no, being a professional basketball player is my dream job. It has been since I was a kid. But I am forever indebted and grateful for the wonderful blessings and opportunities that modeling has given me. So I guess I could say that it has become a dream job of mine over the years.”
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
“Maybe the biggest struggle was just to get work as an Asian-American male model starting out. There weren’t a lot of jobs when I was first starting out but I think a lot of work actually started to [come] in after the Stop Asian Hate movement in 2020. But I’ve definitely faced struggles and discrimination on the basketball court.”
“Looking back, maybe when I was in the development stage, I did not work as much because I still looked super young and maybe just needed a slight glow up. I think it's a constant struggle that models face when you hear a ‘no’ a lot or you get put on hold for a job and get released. But I’ve learned [that a] ‘no’ just means [that I should focus on the] next opportunity and to always stay ready because there are plenty of brands out there that will want to work with you. [You] just have to stay patient and always ready.”
.jpg?format=original)
What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
“There’s a couple for sure. I think back to my first big campaign it was with Hugo Boss back in 2021. It was an NBA collab with Klay Thompson. Truly had a blast on that one. Also I had an awesome run with Lucky Brand and was fortunate enough to do a plethora of consecutive campaigns with them. The holiday and the summer campaigns are always fun to shoot.”
“And then the campaign I shot last year on the southern coast of Italy for Sperry. That was an absolute dream. I also made sure to carve out time after the campaign to do some solo traveling in Italy. It made the trip so worthwhile and I had many moments of gratitude and serenity during that time.”
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
“I’ve manifested and completed a few dream jobs already. But I see my career continuously progressing as I get older and can start to work for brands in the men’s fashion space. Some dream jobs/campaigns as of now are Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Bench, and perhaps a fragrance campaign when I’m older.”
.jpg?format=original)
What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?
“I definitely think I may be the only international model that has pursued an overseas basketball career simultaneously. I also think being one of the few Filipino male models that has had success in the LA & NY market makes me unique as well. But I’m always trying to champion representation and success for more people like me so hopefully one day my story isn’t quite as unique as it may seem now!”
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
“Hmmm… go-to model off-duty look lately has been vintage denim or slacks with a nice shirt or button down. Oxford shoes. A cool jacket for sure too and accessories like sunglasses, necklace, watch, ring. Been really into the 90s inspired looks lately!”
In your own opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
“Extremely professional. [They] take care of their mind, body, skin and spirit daily.”
“[They should be] a nice and genuine person on set and fun to be around. They bring good energy even when everyone else may be tired or it’s the last shot of the day. They should be ready for spontaneity, [and] can still look good and feel good even with limited sleep coupled with tons of travel.”
Any advice to aspiring models?
“Work hard, treat modeling like a craft. Be professional, take care of yourself and don’t get too bogged down on the rejection. It is part of the process. At the end of the day it’s truly a fun career. Just continue to bring your energy, your uniqueness and confidence to every set and you’ll have a blast.”
“Also pro-tip: if you want to book or work with a particular brand, go do a test shoot in their clothes or match their vibe of their latest campaign. Clients need to see you in that light before they can book you. It’s like anything, people are inherently visual. We have to see it to believe it!”
Photographed by Belg Belgica. Creative Direction by Markarvin. Styled by Jason Mago. Grooming by Luis Bunag. Video by Lorenzo Corro.
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.