CABAGNOT KEY TO BATANG PIER’S DEVELOPMENT
Alex Cabagnot will play an important role in coach Pido Jarencio’s scheme of things at GlobalPort.
Team owner Mikee Romero said they acquired Cabagnot and Bonbon Custodio for Sol Mercado and Leo Najorda as they intend to be a run-and-gun team and develop a mean character under Jarencio.
“Coach Pido wants to develop a running team. With Cabagnot, Custodio, RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo, maybe we can achieve what we want to do,” Romero said.
“Another prime concern is to put character in this team. It’s been missing,” Romero also said.
The youthful sportsman/business mogul expects a lot especially from Cabagnot whom he believes “is the real leader we are looking for.”
“GlobalPort is in search of a leader that has lots of character. Cabagnot is a point guard that wants to run, distribute and also take the crucial big shots. That’s what we want,” said Romero.
With his vast experience and winning legacy, Cabagnot is also expected to impart his knowledge to the young GlobalPort backcourt players.
“Our point guard position will be stable with Cabagnot. He will be a good example for our young players especially Romeo and Garcia,” said Jarencio.
In a four-year stint with Petron/SMB, Cabagnot helped the ball club to four Finals and one championship.
Through last season, the No. 2 selection by Sta. Lucia Realty in the 2005 Rookie Draft had career averages of 11.0 points, 5.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
Mercado, meanwhile, normed 15.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal with Rain or Shine, Meralco and GlobalPort from 2008-2013.
“Mercado and Cabagnot are two different players,” Romero pointed out.
Cabagnot is a legitimate playmaker/facilitator while Mercado is more of a scoring guard.
Cabagnot, Garcia, Romeo, Jay Washington, Kelly Nabong, and Jondan Salvador, together with import Evan Brock, will form the core group that will aim a third straight playoff appearance in the coming Commissioner’s Cup.
The Batang Pier figured well in the early goings of the 2014 PBA Philippine Cup but sputtered in the end on the loss of Washington to injury.
Nonetheless, they salvaged a place in the playoffs as they finished seventh in the elimination round. GlobalPort eventually headed for the exit after being disposed of by Rain or Shine, 96-106, in the quarterfinals.
Then came the revamp of the coaching staff and player roster. (SB)
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