UST’s Cabanero ready to go pro

Nic Cabanero is set for a much-awaited pro stint as one of the country’s top collegiate players, and it looks like he will have a bountiful of options here or abroad.

UAAP Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The King Tiger is leaving the lair to strut his stuff in a tougher jungle of the professional world.

After playing his final year with University Santo Tomas in the UAAP, Nic Cabanero is set for a much-awaited pro stint as one of the country's top collegiate players, and it looks like he will have a bountiful of options here or abroad.

"Sa overseas, I can’t comment about that kasi naka-focus talaga ako sa UAAP. But at the local level, meron namang mga MPBL teams na nag-try to contact me, pero hindi ko talaga sila kinausap kasi gusto ko talaga mag-focus sa UAAP,” said Cabanero after UST's stinging 82-81 Final Four defeat to reigning champion UP on Wednesday night.

Cabanero, also a former Gilas youth team, poured it all in his final hurrah with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals as the Growling Tigers secured back-to-back bronze medal-finish after early exits in his first three seasons.

He also made it to the Elite Team as the league's best scorer with 16.8 points, impressing enough scouts should there by any especially with the abundance of UAAP players in the overseas leagues like the Korean Basketball League and the Japan B. League.

Last year, two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao of La Salle and Finals MVP JD Cagulangan of UP were the latest players to bring their acts abroad. While that's an option for Cabanero, a local stint is also possible with the MPBL until October next year for the PBA Draft, where he is expected to be one of the lottery picks.

Those, however, can wait as Cabanero opted to savor the moment of his last leap with the Growling Tigers despite failing to deliver a championship.

"Sad to say, hindi ko nabigay yung championship talaga na gusto ng mga tao at ng UST community. But, naniniwala ako na maybe soon, marating din ng mga teammates ko ‘yon, yung mga magiging holdovers,” he added.

Cabanero, a former Red Cub, started his first three seasons with only a six-win campaign before guiding the Growling Tigers to two straight Final Four appearances on top of his two Elite Team selections.

But for him, there's more to it than just a basketball legacy after playing all his collegiate years with loyalty in Espana, with hopes of more players doing the same for academic reasons. The championship, which UST last tasted in 2006, will eventually come along with that.

"Actually, hindi lang yung pagiging loyal yung gusto ko i-instill sa UST — also sa lahat ng eight schools na meron tayo sa UAAP na mahalin niyo lang lagi yung school niyo. I believe in the process kasi yung mga nararanasan niyo ngayon, may balik ‘yan kasi may purpose talaga si God kaya ganyan yung nangyayari sa career niyo,” he beamed.

"I think sobra pa nga ‘eh kasi achievements wise, and academically, narating ko na ‘yon sa UST. Malaking bagay na kasi I am considered an alumni na rin sa UST. Of course, sa basketball career ko sa UST, I think it’s better to ask yung mga tao na karapat-dapat ba ako na makaiwan ng ganong klase na legacy. Hoping for the best in the future lang din na mabalik yung korona sa Espana.”