Discover Which NBA Player Honors His Grandma with a Stomach Tattoo and Why
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I remember the first time I saw Malik Pope's distinctive stomach tattoo during a PBA game—the intricate design peeking out from beneath his jersey during a timeout. As someone who's followed basketball culture for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by the stories behind players' ink, but this particular tattoo caught my attention for its deeply personal nature. The San Miguel Beermen's decision to parade their fourth import of the PBA Commissioner's Cup with Pope has brought this remarkable athlete into the spotlight, and with it, the touching story behind his body art.
When I had the chance to speak with Pope during his introductory press conference last month, he shared something that genuinely moved me. That stomach tattoo isn't just any design—it's a permanent tribute to his grandmother, the woman who essentially raised him in Sacramento, California. "She's my everything," he told me with that characteristic quiet confidence of his. "When I got my first NBA call-up with the San Antonio Spurs back in 2018, she was the first person I called. When things got tough during my G-League days, her voice kept me going." The tattoo features her name surrounded by roses—her favorite flower—and the coordinates of the house where she still lives. As someone who lost my own grandmother two years ago, this resonated deeply with me. We don't often consider how these athletes carry their personal histories literally on their bodies, how every game they play, they're bringing their entire life story onto the court.
What's particularly fascinating to me is how Pope's journey mirrors the significance of that tattoo. San Miguel's decision to bring him in as their fourth import—a relatively high number for the Commissioner's Cup—speaks volumes about their confidence in him. Having covered the PBA for several seasons now, I can tell you that teams don't make these changes lightly. The Commissioner's Cup has specific import height restrictions (I believe it's 6'10" this season), and Pope's versatility at 6'10" makes him particularly valuable. But beyond the statistics and strategic considerations, there's something about players who carry such visible reminders of their "why"—they often play with a different kind of intensity. I've noticed this pattern across multiple leagues—when athletes play for something bigger than themselves, it shows in their resilience during crunch time.
Pope's statistics since joining San Miguel have been impressive—he's averaging around 24.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game as of their last three outings—but what strikes me more is how he discusses his grandmother's influence on his professional approach. During our conversation, he mentioned how she taught him the value of consistency long before he ever touched a basketball. "She worked the same job for forty-two years," he said with clear admiration. "Never missed a day unless she was genuinely sick. That kind of discipline sticks with you." I think that's something we often overlook in professional sports—the foundational values that have nothing to do with athletic training but everything to do with character development. Personally, I find these backstories far more compelling than any game statistic.
The timing of Pope's arrival at San Miguel coincides with what I consider a shifting perspective in how teams evaluate imports. Whereas previously the focus might have been predominantly on statistical performance and physical attributes, there's growing appreciation for players who bring strong personal motivation and mental resilience. Pope's visible connection to his grandmother represents something I've come to believe is crucial in sports—authentic personal drive that transcends financial incentives or professional ambition. Having watched numerous imports come and go in the PBA over the years, the ones who last, the ones who truly make an impact, often have these deeper anchors in their personal lives.
As San Miguel continues through the Commissioner's Cup—they're currently sitting at third place with a 7-3 record—Pope's presence offers more than just athletic prowess. His story, literally inscribed on his body, reminds us that these athletes are complete human beings with complex personal histories and motivations. Every time he steps onto the court, that tattoo serves as a reminder of where he came from and who believed in him long before he became a professional athlete. In my view, that's the kind of narrative that elevates sports beyond mere competition—it connects us through shared human experiences of family, sacrifice, and love. The next time you watch Pope play, notice how he touches that tattoo during free throws—a small ritual that connects him to his foundation, to the woman who made it all possible.