RETURNING to the PBA was the last thing Alex Cabagnot had in his mind, at least for this week.
In fact, he was supposed to be on vacation in La Union this week to be with his teammates with the Taiwan Mustangs to celebrate their recent success in The Asian Tournament.
Instead, Cabagnot was practicing and attending the PBA’s Media Day on Tuesday as part of the Converge Fiberxers in the lead-up for the coming 49th Season of the league.
"Funny thing is we just won the championship. We have like an outing for the Mustangs. Sabi nila, pupunta kami sa La Union. Tinignan ko 'yung group chat, sabi ko mami-miss ko 'yung La Union celebration namin. That's what we are going to do, I think, tomorrow," said Cabagnot.
"I guess the grind continues," said Cabagnot.
Now 41, Cabagnot said signing with Converge happened so fast which began when he was invited to take part in the FiberXers’ practice.
“After the Asian Tournament, actually I was speaking with Boss J (Jacob Lao, Converge team manager), he asked me to go to practice and see if I could blend in with the guys. Of course, I went. We have a great relationship naman," he shared.
“I went. And kahapon, I signed. I couldn’t even think about it, nandito na ‘yung kontrata kung gusto mo. Sabi ko, siyempre naman, I would love to help the team. ‘Yun, nandito na,” he added
“I was like I hope I can help the team in any way. I know they have their own style and they’ve been together for quite some time. I’m coming in as a newbie of the group as a rookie, so to say. I hope I can help the team,” said Cabagnot.
Cabagnot’s last stint in the PBA came in 2023 when he played for Terrafirma. He even played in Korea before joining the Taiwan Mustangs ballclub.
Cabagnot said he was told by Lao that he became interested after his performance in the tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He later informed Taiwan Mustangs coach Chris Gavina and his bosses about Converge’s interest.
Though he hasn’t been in the PBA for quite some time, Cabagnot said he wanted to make a return eventually, if there was a chance especially with his 20th anniversary as a professional basketball player fast approaching.
With his desire to return to the PBA, Cabagnot said Converge’s offer was too good to pass up.
“I told Coach Chris, he is a good friend of mine. He said, ‘You know what, it will be a great way.’ This is going to be probably my last season. I wanted to end my 20th year especially playing in the PBA. This is my 20th year going in as a professional,” said Cabagnot, who was drafted second overall in 2005 by Sta. Lucia.
“It’s kind of surreal because I thought I wasn’t get to finish. I had some offers in other countries – Mongolia, Taiwan. And I said, sana makatapos, my 20th year sa PBA. God is good and I’m here now,” said Cabagnot.
“Sana makatapos ng 20th year ko injury-free, smiling, and playing,” Cabagnot added.
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