With JD Cagulangan sidelined for the year due to a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, Suwon KT is scrambling to find a replacement at point guard.
Two Filipino guards are reportedly on their radar: Jacob Cortez of De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas standout Nic Cabanero, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Cortez, 23, is a 5-foot-11 point guard who had a standout season with the Green Archers.
The son of former PBA star Mike Cortez, he averaged 15.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game last season. His performances helped La Salle capture the UAAP Season 88 crown — his second collegiate title after winning NCAA Season 99 with San Beda in 2023.
Jacob, though, will have to forgo his final year of eligibility with La Salle if he goes pro.
On the other hand, Cabanero, 22, is a 6-foot-2 guard who earned UAAP Elite Team honors twice during his five-year career at UST.
Last season, the Cebuano averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals, leading the Growling Tigers to a fourth-place finish.
(C) KBL
Suwon KT is in urgent need of reinforcements at the guard position, which has been severely depleted since Cagulangan’s injury.
Prior to the setback, the Sonicboom were riding a four-game winning streak with the former UP star running point.
They currently sit at 16-16, holding sixth place in the standings.
If the team decides to sign a new Asian import, Suwon KT will also need to negotiate a buyout for the remainder of Cagulangan’s contract.
