The PBA got itself a visitor, Friday.
Celebrated slotman Mick Pennisi – who hung up his sneakers for good back in 2017 after a career highlighted by two All-Star appearances and five league championships – paid the league a visit at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Pennisi felt good dropping by.
“Yeah, it’s great to catch up with a lotta people I’ve played with,” said the 44-year-old, who was already at the venue before the 4:30 PM tip-off of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash between Phoenix Pulse and Meralco. “Haven’t seen them in a long while.
“It’s like a reunion for me. I’m loving it.”
It’s been a while since Pennisi was in the league. Still, even if he misses the PBA, the 6-foot-11 center has been enjoying his life as a retired cager, as it has allowed him to spend more time with his family.
“Just concentrating on my business and more family life – bringing my kids to school, stuff like that. Keeping busy, though. Keeping busy,” said Pennisi, who also played for the Philippine men’s national team multiple times.
But now, he might find himself back with the sport he truly loves.
Pennisi said that he might be joining the team of analysts soon, meaning that he might again appear on television for the league’s faithful. And that’s one reason why he decided to visit the league.
Everything has yet to be finalized, though.
“I’m just here just to look at the workings of an analyst. I might – if I do well enough – I might join the analyst team,” said Pennisi, who played for six teams in his 17-year PBA career. “Just looking around, observing, and getting pointers.
“So hopefully, one day, I’ll be on the other side of the screen which I’ll enjoy,” he added.
“I love to talk.”
