Alex Cabagnot won’t play when San Miguel returns to action in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup resumption on Wednesday in Pampanga.
Team manager Gee Abanilla said that the 38-year-old suffered a slight meniscal and sprained ligaments on his knee back in their last game.
The Beermen last played on July 28. They dominated Blackwater, 99-80, to collect their third consecutive victory and improve to 3-1.
“Alex is still injured because of his slip in our last game in Ynares in a slippery spot. He sprained his MCL and LCL and unfortunately had a slight tear in his meniscus,” the amiable executive wrote in a text message to Tiebreaker Times.
Abanilla said that the 16-year veteran has been undergoing strengthening exercises since last week. He has another appointment with the doctor, while the perennial contenders hope that he could return soon.
“We await his second check-up with our doctor. He has been doing strengthening exercises already since last week; and we are still hoping that he could play and contribute when he feels better,” he said.
Cabagnot played in all four of SMB’s games prior to the break. He was averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals.
But while he’s out, San Miguel will be welcoming young star Terrence Romeo back in its 3:00 p.m. meeting with the winless Terrafirma Dyip (0-4) at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor.
This will be the 29-year-old’s first game since suffering a hyper-extended knee in their season debut versus the Meralco Bolts last July 18.
The flashy guard twisted his ankle with less than nine minutes remaining in the final quarter following a crossover attempt. He had to be carried out by his teammates on the way to the dugout. Cabagnot never returned to the game.
Photo by PBA Images
“Terrence on the other hand has been joining our five-on-five in practices,” said Abanilla. “His hyperextended knee and sprain have been healing well.
“He will be able to play tomorrow but to what extent? Depends on our coaches.”
