Mark Jayven "Mac" Tallo, born on January 2, 1994, in Cebu City, has carved a unique path through the Philippine basketball landscape. Known by his nickname "Spidamac," Tallo's career is a testament to perseverance, skill, and a deep-seated love for the game.
Early beginnings in Cebu
Tallo's basketball journey began in the vibrant, basketball-obsessed community of Sitio Kawayan in Barangay Sambag Dos, Cebu province. Influenced by his father, former PBA player Mark Tallo, Mac's passion for basketball was evident from a young age. He started playing at six, honing his skills on the small courts of his neighborhood, learning to navigate through physical play and tight spaces.
His high school career at the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) was transformative. Tallo led the Wildkittens to their first CESAFI high school title in 2009, earning him the MVP award. His performances caught the eye of UAAP giants. He initially chose to play for the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles, but due to lack of playing time during the pre-season tournaments, he opted to transfer to the DLSU Green Archers. Unfortunately, his stint with the Green Archers was forgettable. In ten (10) games playing for the Green and White, he logged 11 minutes while contributing 1.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
College and return to Cebu
After a brief and less successful period with La Salle, Mac returned to Cebu to play for Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras. Here, he excelled, winning two MVP awards and leading the team to CESAFI championships in 2013 and 2015. His collegiate career was marked by significant growth, both in skill and in leadership.
Tallo also made a mark during the Philippine Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) in 2013. During the tournament, he helped the SWU Cobras stun the DLSU Green Archers, his former team led by Jeron Teng, in the Final Four. However, the Cobras succumbed to the Green Archers, 0-2, in the best of three finals.
Professional leap
Tallo's professional career took off when he was selected 10th overall by TNT KaTropa in the 2017 PBA draft. However, his time in the PBA was inconsistent. He moved from TNT to NLEX Road Warriors, where he faced challenges including a drug-related suspension that kept him out of the league for several years.
His return to the PBA came in 2023 when he signed a two-year deal with Converge FiberXers. Tallo showed glimpses of his former self, averaging 7.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the games he played. However, his contract was soon terminated due to participation in an unsanctioned "ligang labas" tournament, in violation of league rules.
Career reboot in the MPBL
The MPBL offered Tallo a new platform to showcase his talents. He has played for several teams, including Bacolod Master Sardines, Manila Stars, and Bicol Volcanoes. His leadership and scoring ability were evident, especially when he returned to Bacolod after mending ties with his former coach.
In 2024, after his PBA fallout, Tallo signed with the expansion team Abra Weavers but was later traded to the Davao Occidental Tigers, demonstrating his continued relevance in the league. He averaged 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Tigers.
Perhaps one of the most significant chapters in Mac Tallo's career is his dominance in 3x3 basketball. Playing for Chooks-to-Go, he became the country's top-ranked player, reaching as high as 72nd in the FIBA 3x3 world rankings. His agility, shooting, and strategic gameplay made him a standout, contributing significantly to the Philippine 3x3 scene.
Perhaps the most memorable moment for Mac Tallo in the 3x3 scene is the time when he led Manila Chooks to a win over world No. 12 Futian in the 2023 Fiba 3x3 World Tour in Cebu last September 2023.
The Future looks bright
Despite the controversies and setbacks, Mac Tallo remains a beloved figure in Philippine basketball. His optimism about playing again in the PBA or exploring opportunities abroad shows his unwavering commitment to the sport. His journey reflects not just the ups and downs of a professional athlete's life but also the resilience and passion required to navigate through them.
Tallo's story is far from over. Whether he's spinning moves on the half-court or leading a team in the full-court game, Mac Tallo continues to be a dynamic force in the basketball world, embodying the spirit of a player who loves the game with every fiber of his being. His legacy, marked by both personal achievements and contributions to the sport's growth in various leagues, continues to inspire young athletes across the Philippines.
Note: This article was written with the help of xAI (Grok).