MANILA, Philippines — News of Ali Peek’s shooting Monday night reverberated quickly around sports circles and was met with shock and disbelief by those who knew him.

“Unbelievable,” exclaimed Asi Taulava, the veteran center who often had Peek as his man everytime their teams collided.

Taulava wondered how this could happen to Peek. “He’s the coolest guy on the planet,” said Taulava, who two years ago was sent to Powerade (formerly Coca-Cola) by TNT in a trade that got Peek as a TNT player.

His friends also wanted to know how this could happen to Peek who has no known enemies and is one of the most admired and loved Fil-Americans in the PBA.

Peek, 36, was shot in the nape as he got ready to board his car following a workout at the RFM gym in Mandaluyong.

The TNT player remained in stable condition and out of danger but may likely miss the whole PBA Philippine Cup because of the injury.

The shooting caught many by surprise because Peek is known as one of the good guys in the league, “a peace maker” as he sometimes is known because he would be the first to stop players from exchanging blows or from getting into each other’s faces.

Police are still trying to determine the motive.

Being single, police are looking at the “love” angle although none of his friends said he is committed to any girl at the moment.

Robbery has been ruled out because the assailant did not get anything from him and went away quickly after putting one bullet on Peek.

The suspect was probably was aiming at the head but hit Peek’s nape instead as the player, at 6-4, was probably much taller than the gunman.

The suspect reportedly was seen inside the RFM gym moving around and looking a bit agitated. He also asked the gym operator how much it would cost to use the facilities, trying to appear as though he was a fitness enthusiast.

A police sketch of the suspect has also been released.

TNT team owner Manny Pangilinan has put up a P500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman.

“I can’t imagine what happened to Ali. Who will do that to him?” said Barako Bull’s Willie Miller.

PBA Commissioner, Angelico “Chito” Salud called for an investigation.

“There should be an investigation on what’s behind the incident. We’ll ask the assistance of law enforcers. The assailant should be arrested immediately and brought to justice,” said Salud who was glad that Peek is on his way to recovery.