PBA veteran Rico Maierhofer shares insights ahead of league’s golden anniversary

As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) prepares to celebrate its monumental 50th season next month, former player Rico Maierhofer reflects on his nine-year career, filled with both triumphs and challenges, and shares his hopes for the future of the league.

Maierhofer, who played for several teams throughout his career, including Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, Barangay Ginebra Kings, Barako Bull Energy Cola, San Miguel Beermen, GlobalPort Batang Pier, and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, is remembered for his contributions to two PBA

championships, two All-Star selections, and his recognition as the 2010 PBA Rookie of the Year.

“Isang karangalan na nakasama kami sa 50 years. I played only for nine years, so at least, doon sa 50, may contribution kami. At the same time, yung PBA, sobrang laking factor niyan sa life namin, so utang na loob namin yung sa PBA,” Maierhofer said during a recent media interaction.

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The 39-year-old also candidly spoke about the challenges he faced during his career, particularly the injuries that hindered his ability to maintain peak form and extend his playing years. He reflected on how those struggles taught him one of the most valuable lessons of his basketball journey.

“Basketball is all about hard work. The more you work hard, the better yung career mo. Ako, injury-laden yung career ko eh. I don’t know why, pero sa mga nai-injure na mga players, don’t stop. You need to work harder, para maiwasan and to protect yourself. Sa akin kasi, minamadali ko yung injury eh. Hindi pa ako 100%, nilalaro ko na. That is wrong. ‘Wag niyong gagayahin yung ginawa ko before para mas tumagal pa kayo sa basketball career ninyo,” he shared.

Former PBA stars Jayjay Helterbrand and Rico Maierhofer expressed disappointment over the violent incident involving Michole Solera in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), calling his haymaker punch on Jonas Tibayan unacceptable.

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Maierhofer’s reflections weren’t just limited to his personal journey. He also took time to voice his thoughts on the current state of the PBA and what steps should be taken to strengthen the league. One of his main points was the need for more balanced competition among the 12 teams.

“Opinion ko, in order to make the league stronger, dapat ma-figure out natin kung paano iba-balance ang lahat ng teams,” he emphasized. “Di naman bago sa lahat na ang malakas lang is dalawa or tatlo eh. Nakukuha nila yung malalakas na players ng iba.”

He also proposed that limiting the influence of “farm teams” could help make the league more competitive and engaging for fans.

“I don’t know why. I’m sure, hindi na bago yung mga tinatawag na farm teams, pero kung mali-limit nila yun? At mas lalakas yung ibang teams? Mas lalakas yung viewership ng PBA. Alam naman natin yung mga nanood, they want good competition, they want fair and balanced games, yung hindi mo malalaman kung sino yung mananalo. Mas interesting manood ng basketball if you don’t know who is going to win,” Maierhofer explained.

Looking forward, Maierhofer expressed hope that the PBA would continue to thrive for generations to come.

“Hopefully, ma-balance natin,” he said. “I know, yung mga bosses natin sa PBA, they are doing their best to do this. I’m sure mafi-figure out nila yan dahil 50 years na yung PBA, they all know what they are doing. Hopefully, 100, 150, 200 years pa yung PBA.”

With the PBA celebrating its golden anniversary, Maierhofer’s insights offer a valuable perspective on how far the league has come and what it still has the potential to achieve in the next half-century.

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