There has now been a growing and rumbling clamor for Noy Noy Aquino, the only son of Ninoy and Cory Aquino, to continue his parents' fight for true Philippine democracy by running for the Philippine Presidency in 2010. Noy Noy has been deliberate, asking for some time before announcing his decision on whether to run or not. Meanwhile, people from all sides of the political fence have raised the pros and cons of another Aquino presidency, and at the heart of the debate is Aquino being a "second generation" politician. Will his pedigree serve him well? The sports world has its fair share of examples, which could help decide Noy Noy's fate.
Inborn OJT
Having a parent engaged in the same sport as you is considered a great advantage. Growing up, you get an insider's view, especially when you join your parents when they work. You get to see how things work, what to do and what to avoid, and perhaps, most importantly, you have your parents to look up to as an example.
None have benefitted more than Kobe Bryant of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, John Paxson of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the WWE's Randy Orton. Kobe, son of former NBA journeyman Joe "Jellybean" Bryant tagged along his dad's games both in the NBA and in Europe. While Joe struggled to find a home in the NBA, averaging only 8.7 points in his stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets, his son Kobe watched, trained and then conquered the NBA game. Kobe, named after the steak his dad enjoyed so much, has gone on to become a 4-time NBA champion, an NBA season and finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medallist.
John Paxson had a relatively more low key career than Kobe, but his career is certainly nothing to scoff at. While John's dad Jim played a mere two seasons for the Minneapolis Lakers and Cincinnati Royals before retiring, John enjoyed great success in his 10 years as an NBA player. The heady point guard won three straight NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, including the 1992-93 championship, where his dagger-like three buried the Phoenix Suns for good.
Pro Wrestling has put great importance on "second generation" superstars, essentially because they are "second generation." They have a built-in understanding of the entire game, and none have taken better advantage of this than Randy Orton. His dad, Hall of Famer "Cowboy" Bob Orton carved a great career for himself, becoming quite a ring innovator and a well-hated heel (bad guy). Mostly, though, "Cowboy," was just known as a sidekick, backing up "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and then later on "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. Over the years, though, his son Randy hung around, trained and blazed a more successful albeit still ongoing career. This early, Randy has established himself on a higher pedestal than his dad, winning world championships on multiple occasions and being a part of two dominant groups, Evolution and the aptly-named Legacy. Before anyone scoffs that achieving things in pro wrestling is more luck than hard work, keep reading on.
Shadow Boxing
Then, the bad news. While having illustrious parents can help facilitate your entry into that realm, some "second generation" stars have found that that same illustriousness becomes a big stumbling block as well. If the parent has done well for himself before, the son or daughter is often compared with his/her parents. Sometimes, that shadow is just to hard to escape from.
It is this shadow that has imprisoned the likes of Paolo and Derrick Hubalde, sons of the "Master of the Bank Shot" Freddie Hubalde. While both Derrick and Paolo have carved out nice careers in the collegiate basketball ranks, neither has come even halfway close to what their dad has done. A multiple title winner and considered one of the Philippine Basketball Association's greatest players, Freddie seems to have set a legacy too enormous to overcome.
Ditto for Damien Wilkins. The former Seattle Super Sonic and Oklahoma City Thunder player has found an NBA job for five years, averaging an acceptable 7.6 points per game. Unfortunately for him, he has a dad Gerald and an uncle Dominique, that have established long and impressive careers that dwarf his. Dad Gerald was a solid NBA player, playing a total of 13 seasons (12 complete) averaging double
figures in points in all but two seasons. Gerald's best season, the 86-87 season, saw him average 19.1 points, more than double Damien's best scoring season, the '07-'08 season. Uncle Dominique is an even tougher act to follow. The "Human Highlight Reel" was a multiple time All Star, Dunk Contest winner and stunning playoff performer. It's safe to say that if Damien WIlkins wants to leave a bigger mark than his predecessors, he's got one hell of a handicap.
While Pro Wrestling has been knocked as a "pre-determined" show, it still demands perseverance and hard work like any sport. "Second generation" superstars like The Rock, Carlito and Randy Orton have made marks in the WWE bigger than their fathers, others have suffered under the weight of carrying on their fathers' legacy. Names like Scott Putsky and Sim Snooka never became household ones, despite their fathers' illustrious careers. Scott Putsky had a mere short stint with the WWE, his career completely dwarfed by his dad's.
"Polish Power" Ivan Putsky had a career that spanned over two decades with the WWE, giving him a chance to win the World Tag Team Championship (with Tito Santana) and a place in the WWE Hall of Fame. Sim Snooka had a slightly longer and more successful career than Scott Putsky, winning a Tag Team Title as "Deuce" (with Domino) and he had a short stint with a still forming Legacy. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't just Randy Orton that got bored with him. He was unceremoniously released from Legacy and currently, he is nowhere to be found. Undoubtedly, Sim has not even scratched what his dad Jimmy "Superfly" Snooka has achieved. The Barefoot Jimmy had a career, filled with main events, for over twenty years, and it ended with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Even with all the "pre-destination" in pro wrestling and the distinct advantage given to "second generation" superstars, Scott Putsky and Sim Snooka discovered the glory their fathers achieved is an honor not everyone can attain.
The Verdict?
Before voters like me decide on Noy Noy as a president, it is incumbent upon Aquino to ask himself some tough questions. How will his being an Aquino affect him? Will his parents' tremendous legacy be a motivation that pushes him or an obstacle that stymies him? Does he consider himself to be Kobe or Paolo Hubalde? Is he a Randy Orton or a Scott Putsky? When he answers these questions, it will then be our turn to ask them.
photos courtesy of nba.com and wrestlingtradingcards.com
