For Nic Cabanero, University of Santo Tomas’ 82-81 loss to the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four was more than just another Final Four exit.
It marked the closing of a personal chapter — the end of an era for a Tiger who spent all five of his UAAP playing years at España.
From a fearless rookie out of San Beda University to the guiding leader of a program striving to reclaim its glory, Cabanero’s journey with the Growling Tigers has been defined by growth, resilience, and loyalty.
“Yung babaunin ko from this is yung pagiging matured ko and how to be a leader on the team.
“Hindi ko naman binubuhat yung sariling bangko ko or ano, but sa mga tao, medyo ako lang talaga ‘eh. I believe na kasi yung mga teammates ko ngayon, kayang-kaya nila yung maging leader or maging katulad ko in the near future,” the 22-year-old Cebuano told reporters Wednesday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Cabanero’s first three seasons were anything but easy. A 3-11, seventh-place finish in his rookie year, a one-win campaign in Season 85, and a modest two-win record through 14 games in Season 86.
Yet, Seasons 87 and 88 brought a turnaround, with UST finishing third in back-to-back campaigns after Final Four exits at the hands of the Fighting Maroons.
Still, the 6-foot-3 winger fell short of his ultimate dream: bringing the UAAP crown back to Espana.
Despite this, Cabanero remains confident that the next generation of Tigers — including presumptive Rookie of the Year and Elite Team member Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, Amiel Acido, and Mark Llemit — can end UST’s 19-year title drought.
“Sad to say, hindi ko nabigay yung championship talaga na gusto ng mga tao [at] ng UST community. But, naniniwala ako na maybe soon, marating din ng mga teammates ko ‘yon, yung mga magiging holdovers,” Cabanero shared.
Beyond his on-court achievements — two bronze medals and back-to-back Elite Team honors — Cabanero leaves a legacy grounded in loyalty, a value increasingly rare in the UAAP’s modern era of frequent player transfers.
“Actually, hindi lang yung pagiging loyal yung gusto ko i-instill sa UST — also sa lahat ng eight schools na meron tayo sa UAAP na mahalin niyo lang lagi yung school niyo.
“I believe in the process kasi yung mga nararanasan niyo ngayon, may balik ‘yan kasi may purpose talaga si God kaya ganyan yung nangyayari sa career niyo,” he said.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
He also encouraged players to maintain perspective through the highs and lows of the game:
“Lahat kasi tayo may negativity ‘eh, just think of the positive outcome na lang talaga. May ups and downs tayo as players, pero trust the coach, trust the system, and trust the Lord.”
As Cabanero steps away from España, he does so knowing he gave everything to the program, leaving a mark on UST basketball that transcends wins and losses.
“Sa overseas, I can’t comment about that kasi naka-focus talaga ako sa UAAP. But at the local level, meron namang mga MPBL teams na nag-try to contact me, pero hindi ko talaga sila kinausap kasi gusto ko talaga mag-focus sa UAAP,” he shared.
“I think sobra pa nga ‘eh kasi achievements wise, and academically, narating ko na ‘yon sa UST. Malaking bagay na kasi I am considered an alumni na rin sa UST. Of course, sa basketball career ko sa UST, I think it’s better to ask yung mga tao na karapat-dapat ba ako na makaiwan ng ganong klase na legacy. Hoping for the best in the future lang din na mabalik yung korona sa Espana.”
#WATCH: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS MY JOURNEY 🐯
Despite the tough end to his collegiate career, Nic Cabanero hopes to have made UST proud 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/8gOexYgPpW
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/K5phtDCMXk
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 3, 2025
