UST Growling Tigers’ Nic Cabañero receiving his Mythical Five award in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Nic Cabañero plans to run it back next year after receiving his first mythical team award for leading the University of Santo Tomas to a Final Four return and bronze medal finish in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Cabañero is raring to lead UST to the finals in the school’s hosting of Season 88 in 2025 but he said he would still talk to coach Pido Jarencio and his staff to map out their plans in building from their return to the Final Four this year.
READ: UAAP: Nic Cabañero gets birthday wish with UST win
“Actually, about that, I’m still gonna talk to them before [I go] home this December, so mag-usapan namin yan. Then let’s see what will happen,” said Cabañero after receiving his mythical team trophy on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. “As I mentioned, I really want to play for UST. I’m 100% sure na especially host kami for next year.”
UST ended a five-year Final Four drought with Cabañero getting help from Forthsky Padrigao, Mo Tounkara, and other newcomers and mainstays to finish the elimination round with a 7-7 record.
Nic Cabañero and the rest of the UST Growling Tigers during a win over the FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Their Final Four appearance, however, only lasted for one game after falling to the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines, 78-69, but it was an exit to remember for the UST go-to scorer.
“From the experience that I had right now in the Final Four, ibang iba talaga compared sa elimination. It’s a learning experience for me and the team for us to be prepared for next year and to aim for top 1 and to win the Final Four and then finals,” Cabañero said.
READ: UAAP Final Four loss gives UST experience it needs moving forward
Eyeing a better finish next year with UST, Cabañero puts a premium on strengthening the team’s composure.
“Kung ano yung darating sa amin, dapat matatag lang kami kasi iba talaga yung competition ng UAAP we’re not the only one aiming to go to the top, other teams are aiming. Mahirap din kasi magsalita. let’s work na lang kasi mas maganda actions na lang,” he said.
READ: UAAP: Manaytay, Nic Cabañero relish winning time with UST
For now, Cabañero will focus on his final exams and cheer for his younger brother Andwele, who led UST to a 98-84 win over UE in Juniors high school basketball Finals Game 1, before coming home to Inabanga, Bohol for the holidays.
“Super natuwa ako sa kapatid ko. Kasi alam ko talaga na mag-excel siya andito lang ako sa kanya lagi to support him and to guide him. Just do your best and I do hope you will win your Game 2 against UE,” he said.