Ali Peek

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Ali Peek is a Filipino-American former professional basketball player who played in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was primarily a center, with some time at power forward, and became known for his strong inside game and rebounding. Peek was born in Hawaii on February 13, 1975, and grew up in California. He has Filipino roots from his mother, and his family connections helped him settle in the Philippines to play basketball.

Peek excelled at Hart High School, where he starred in his senior year with big scoring and rebounding numbers. He later played college basketball for St. Mary’s College of California (1992–1995). After college, a knee injury threatened his future, but he rehabbed and aimed to play professionally in Asia. In 1996 he played in the Philippine Basketball League, and in 1998 he entered the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after being drafted third overall by the Pop Cola Panthers.

In the PBA, Peek played for several teams over a 16-year career: Pop Cola (1998–2000), Alaska Aces (2001–2004), Coca-Cola Tigers (2004–2007), Talk ’N Text (2008–2010), Sta. Lucia Realtors (2010), and Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters again (2010–2014). He was known for his sturdy post play, defense, and rebounding. Peek won six PBA championships with various teams, earned Best Player of the Conference in 2003, and received the Sportsmanship Award in 2008. He was a five-time All-Star and made both the Mythical First and Second Teams during his career. He joined the 5,000-point club and finished with a strong rebounding record (over 5,100 rebounds) and more than 2,000 offensive rebounds.

A notable moment came in 2011 when Peek was shot in the neck in a parking lot. He recovered quickly, returned to play, and the case was later ruled a case of mistaken identity. He retired from the PBA on February 26, 2014, after a long and successful run.

After retiring, Peek worked as a color commentator for the PBA and did short stints in broadcasting. He also coached at the amateur and college levels, including roles with the Laguna BUSA Warriors and the Benilde Blazers. He currently lives in Manila with his girlfriend and their four children. Known for his size and presence in the paint, Peek earned the nickname “The Man Mountain.”