In his fourth year, Nic Cabañero is finally on the cusp of making the Final Four, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
Cabañero joined a struggling University of Santo Tomas team back in Season 84, with the Growling Tigers still reeling from key losses during the pandemic.
In his rookie year, UST only secured three wins under head coach Jinino Manansala, but Cabañero emerged as one of the team’s bright spots.
Things didn’t improve much in his sophomore season. The Tigers, under head coach Bal David, failed to find their rhythm in Season 85, managing just one win in 14 games.
Despite the struggles, the 6-foot-3 forward developed into one of the team’s leaders.
The return of legendary UST coach Pido Jarencio in Season 86 also didn’t bring much change, as the Tigers finished with a 2-12 record.
But in his fourth year, the hard work is finally paying off.
The Growling Tigers are currently in fourth place with a 6-7 record after their 76-67 victory over the UE Red Warriors on Saturday.
“I’m just gonna do my job, kung anong ipinapagawa ng coaches at teammates ko sa akin,” said Cabañero, emphasizing his commitment to playing within the team’s system.
“I’m just willing to take the risk, everything. Gagawin ko lang yung best ko every game.”
Cabañero’s game is on the rise.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Cebuano guard posted a personal season-high 27 points on an efficient 8-of-16 shooting from the field against UE.
However, despite being so close to clinching that coveted Final Four spot, there is no room for complacency if UST truly wants to end its three-season postseason drought.
That mindset is clear for Cabañero and the rest of the Growling Tigers, who are determined to secure their Final Four berth next Saturday when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
“I-absorb lang namin itong panalo na ito tapos kapag bukas, focus na kami sa next game namin. Hindi pa tapos ‘yung placing sa Final Four,” said Cabañero.
“Yun nga, dapat hindi pa kami mag-celebrate ngayon because we still have Adamson, so focus na kami after this day.”
