Nic Cabañero may have already left University of Santo Tomas, but the Cabañero name remains very much alive in España.
Two of his younger brothers are now carrying on the family’s connection with the school. 17-year-old Andwele has returned to UST after a one-year stint at Letran, while 12-year-old Nicolai begins his own UAAP journey with the Junior Tiger Cubs.
While Andwele is back in España to play in the High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Nicolai has taken the next step at an even younger age, suiting up for the Junior Tiger Cubs in the UAAP Season 89 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
And at just 12 years old, Nicolai is already competing against players much older than him.
In UST’s season opener against defending champion National University Nazareth School, the youngest player in the tournament showed that he belonged on the big stage, finishing with 14 points, five assists, and four steals in a 75–100 loss.
A week later, the Junior Tiger Cubs bounced back against UP Integrated School with an 86-77 victory, although Nicolai played just 10 minutes.
For Nic, who has already moved on from UST, seeing not one but two of his younger brothers continue the Cabañero family’s journey in España is something he takes pride in.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I’m so happy as his kuya na meron na another Cabañero will play for UST in UAAP. At a very young age of 12 years old, nakapag-participate na siya sa 16U,” Nic said.
But while the Cabañero name may already carry recognition at UST, Nic wants Nicolai to understand that he does not have to carry the weight of his older brother’s accomplishments.
His biggest advice to the 12-year-old is simple: enjoy the journey.
“Biggest advice for him is dapat hindi siya ma-pressure kung ano ako sa UST, and to enjoy every moment and learn from every game and every practice,” Nic said.
“I know he will make a name for himself basta trust the process lang.”
Nic also knew that Nicolai was ready for the challenge.
Despite being the youngest player in the tournament, he was not surprised that his brother made the lineup.
“To be honest, hindi talaga ako nagulat kasi alam ko capabilities ni Nicolai,” he said.
“He is a smart player, playing point guard at that level who can shoot, drive, assist, and defend.”
For Nicolai, having two older brothers who have experienced the demands of being a student-athlete at UST provides him with a support system.
“Sabi nila, lagi akong dapat magsisipag hindi lang sa laro kundi sa practice,” Nicolai said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Nicolai has no intention of simply being known as Nic and Andwele’s younger brother. Instead, he wants his own legacy.
“Makaiwan siya ng sariling niyang legacy sa UST, basta mag-enjoy lang siya sa process niya through his career,” Nic said of his younger brother.
“For sure his time will come.”
Nicolai already has his own goal in mind.
“Sana maka-champion po ako dito sa UST. Yun po ang hindi nagawa ni Kuya Nic ko at gustong gawin ni Kuya Nickson.”
