Alex Cabagnot’s presence felt right away in Globalport
Alex Cabagnot will make his debut for Globalport against Air21 Wednesday night. MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Veteran guard Alex Cabagnot was brought in to Globalport for his unquestioned leadership and his ability to make the right plays whether it’s setting up his teammates or creating his own shots.
And Cabagnot, a vital part of the San Miguel Beer/Petron Blaze franchise the past several seasons, plans to be just that same player for the Batang Pier.
“What I did with Petron is definitely the same what I’m trying to do here,” said Cabagnot after he and rookie Nico Salva took turns in shooting jumpers to wrap up another practice session Tuesday at the Moro Lorenzo Gym in Ateneo.
“Nothing new. I think if I do something out of my character parang hindi naman yon (I don’t think it would be) fair para sa (for the) team because they got me because of what they know of me in Petron. I have to do that here,” he added.
The 31-year-old Cabagnot has been in the league for quite a while and his championship experience would be invaluable to his rookie-laden team with four rookies including two guards in RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo.
“I have a lot of experience but I don’t want my teammates to think that I’m boasting about it so if I see something they can improve on I’ll say it in a nice way and if they take it into heart then I did something positive,” said Cabagnot, who was traded for Sol Mercado, on being someone looked up to by his young teammates.
“Team namin ngayon nagtutulungan (We’re now helping each other out),” said Garcia, who will back up Cabagnot at the point guard spot. “Kami ni Terrence tinatanong lagi namin siya kung anong tama na gawin sa loob ng court at tinuturuan niya kami, leader talaga siya (Terrence and I always ask him what’s the right thing to do inside the court and he teaches us what to do and he’s really a leader).”
Cabagnot’s leadership also goes beyond his words.
“Bukod pa sa mga advice niya, gusto din niya involved mga teammates niya. Nakakatanggap ka ng bola lalo na kapag libre ka, alam niya ginagawa niya (Apart from his advice, he wants his teammates involved and when you’re open, you get to receive the ball and he knows what he’s doing,” said Garcia, who immediately saw what Cabagnot adds to the team after Batang Pier flew to Cebu for a pocket tournament.
Cabagnot will see his first action for Globalport, who tapped former Barako Bull import Evan Brock, Wednesday against Air21 at the start of the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“Alex will be of great help because he is one of the best point guards in the PBA. His play complements our young players,” said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio in a mix of Filipino and English. He will also be making his debut.
“He is a veteran. He’ll be able to teach his experience to our young players and at the same time he’s able to run the team well. We’re excited because this is a new Globalport team,” Jarencio added.
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