Mike Cortez

2003 top overall rookie pick by Alaska. One of the most Talented and the next big star in point guard position.

Name: Mike Cortez
Jersey Number: 01
Team: San Miguel
Birthdate: 1980-11-10
Birthplace: San Jose, California, USA
Height: 6'0" Weight: 170 lbs.
Position: Guard
Draft(Year): 1st overall by Alaska (2003)
College/University: De La Salle University
Monicker/Nick: The Cool Cat
Player’s Profile:
Amateur career
In 2000, Cortez debuted for the De La Salle Green Archers. With him, veterans Ren-Ren Ritualo and later Mark Cardona, the Green Archers won the UAAP title in the two of the next three seasons from 2000-2002.
He also played in the PBL for the ICTSI Archers, a team composed mostly of DLSU players alongside then University of the East star James Yap. With the two playing together, ICTSI almost won a PBL title in 2001 only to be defeated by the veteran-laiden Shark Energy Drink.
By 2002, Cortez's performance had quickly led to him being considered the top prospect for the PBA.
Professional career
Is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the San Miguel Beermen Team in the Philippine Basketball Association. He is plays the Point Guard position.
After the 2002 UAAP season, Cortez applied for the PBA Draft and was drafted by the Alaska Aces as the top overall pick. By then, he was considered as the successor to Johnny Abarrientos as the team's next big star at the point position.
However, he struggled in his first season in pros with inconsistent performances due to Tim Cone's triangle offense system, and the emphasis on Ali Peek, Don Allado and fellow rookie Brandon Cablay. Despite this development, he was a member of the 2003 PBA Invitational Championship defeating the Coca-Cola Tigers.
He lost in the Rookie of the Year race to fellow point guard Jimmy Alapag of the Talk N' Text Phone Pals.
By the 2004-05 PBA season, Cortez was starting to increase his role as Alaska added young players such as Sonny Thoss and veterans Reynel Hugnatan, Jeffrey Cariaso, etc.
The next season, Cortez played probably his best season in the league yet, playing in a consistent level while forming two-man tandem with Willie Miller as Alaska almost went to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Cortez missed most of the 2006-07 PBA Philippine Cup following an injury in the third game of the conference.
Last March 19, 2008, Cortez was traded along with bigman Ken Bono to the San Miguel Beermen for L.A. Tenorio and Larry Fonacier.