Why did SMB trade Mercado for Cabagnot? ‘It’s finding the right fit’, says Austria

Alex Cabagnot is back with San Miguel Beer after getting traded last season, and it couldn’t come at a better time – the playoffs.

The Beermen acquired Cabagnot for Sol Mercado, and the rationale has something to do with the style of play of the squad anchored by June Mar Fajardo.

“Not because one player is better than the other. Parehas naman silang magaling, but it’s about finding the right fit,” Austria told Tiebreaker Times.

Cabagnot plays more efficiently on the deliberate half court set. The Beermen are running the slow break tempo obviously anchored by Fajardo, the PBA’s most dominant player.

The 6-foot-10 slotman and reigning Most Valuable Player is making another solid run for his second straight MVP plum. He is the leading candidate for the Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference award.

Mercado, on the other hand, is more efficient on the open court. With GlobalPort last season, Mercado had his finest season, making a solid run for the MVP derby. So when the Beermen started their semifinals campaign, they made sure they had Cabagnot on board.

Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico believes Cabagnot could be a better fit for the current San Miguel Beer lineup.
“Yes, he could be a better fit,” he added.