Alex Cabagnot felt apprehensive prior to entering the PBA semi-bubble in Pampanga to rejoin San Miguel Beer in the Honda Philippine Cup.
The 38-year-old entered the province Friday night, coming back after weeks of recuperating from a slight meniscal tear and ligament sprains on his knee. He suffered the injuries earlier in the season, when games were still in Pasig.
“I had apprehensions with it because hindi pa ko nakaka-practice with kay Coach Leo [Austria], ‘yung mga adjustments niya, ‘yung mga drills niya. So I had apprehensions,” said the veteran guard, who’s now in his 16th season.
On top of his concerns was the uncertainty towards his own shape. He admitted that he doesn’t really know where he is as far as conditioning is concerned.
“I really didn’t know where my conditioning was kahit na nagwe-weights ako, nagte-therapy ako, kahit na nagba-bike ako. Being on the court is a lot different that’s why I had apprehensions coming in,” he said.
All those worries, however, eventually went away. And Cabagnot only has head coach Leo Austria to thank for that.
Knowing what his veteran floor general is capable of, the four-time Coach of the Year immediately played him in Game One of their best-of-three quarterfinal clash with the NorthPort Batang Pier, Sunday.
“He played four games before the Pampanga bubble and we took a lot before going here. And he told me na he will be back. And I know for a fact na siya ay nagpapa-kondisyon because he is professional,” Austria said.
“Alam niya ang gagawin niya. Tamang-tama ‘yung pagdating niya dahil talagang medyo kulang kami sa firepower and nakita niyo naman ‘yung firepower ni Alex once he gets on the court, no more adjustments needed for him.”
Cabagnot then went on to repay that trust in such a big way – much to the delight of the entire squad.
He sank the game-winning jumper over the defense of Sidney Onwubere with 1.5 seconds left. And the Beermen walked out of the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor with the 88-87 victory, moving one win away from the semis.
Cabagnot finished with a game-high 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field. He also had three rebounds in nearly 22 minutes off the bench.
“Yung kumpyansa ko galing talaga sa mga coaching staff, kay Coach,” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to play. So my apprehensions went away, my timing went back. But this would have never happened if Coach didn’t play me.
“I mean, I know a lot of coaches there that hindi pa nagpa-practice ‘yung player mo, hindi mo papalaruin ‘yan. Pero Coach had an open mind and just trust his gut instinct and trusted me. Binawian ko lang ‘yung trust na binigay niya sa’kin.”
