In his stellar 13-year career, Alex Cabagnot earned the nickname ‘Crunchman’ for his late-game exploits.
From his long bombs in the clutch to his cool and calm presence in pressure-packed situations, Cabagnot has always had a flair for the heroics, which consequently led to seven championships for the San Miguel franchise.
Now, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have a ‘Crunchman’ of their own. And his name is Paul Desiderio.
Cabagnot – who has been part of UP’s coaching staff since 2016 – was a witness to two of the most pivotal shots in the history of the Fighting Maroons.
Heading into overtime in UP’s sudden-death semis game against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Desiderio was shooting just 2-of-17 from the field.
But horrid shooting has never stopped clutch shooters from shooting their shot.
Down by one in overtime, Jaydee Tungcab found Desiderio for a wide-open triple. Jerom Lastimosa was then able to knot things up after knocking down two clutch free throws seconds later.
But the graduating guard would not be denied his moment, scoring on a jumper over Sean Manganti with six seconds remaining – game-winner.
“Atin ‘to! What can I say?
“He’s a very soft-spoken and a happy-go-lucky guy. But when it’s crunch time, he’s assertive. That’s the only thing I could ask for,” said the skills coach for the Fighting Maroons.
“Hindi niya tinataguan yung bola, and I don’t have to tell him to shoot or make a stop. He just knows it! In his mind, he is trying to carry the whole UP community on his shoulders and I think he did a great job today,” he added.
Cabagnot has had his work cut out for him, though, with the likes of Desiderio, Juan Gomez de Liano, Jun Manzo, Diego Dario, and the rest of UP’s backcourt.
“They are hard-working. Their work ethic is way beyond their years.
“Usually players, they feel that they have to work hard later. These kids though know that now is the time — they are trying to better themselves. We’re just guiding them; they do all the work,” beamed Cabagnot.
“They make five-hundred shots up like Juan, Paul, even Janjan and Manzo. All those guys get to the gym and get their shots up. It’s such a fun environment to be in and I’m glad to be a part of it,” he added.
Moreover, Desiderio already knows what Cabagnot wants him to do on the court.
“He hit a couple of huge shots. Actually, the play before that, I wanted him to shoot it and he looked at me. I don’t really have a lot to say to him,” disclosed the seven-time PBA champion. “We just looked at each other and he knew that I wanted him to take that.
“I’m blessed that he made it.”
