BY John Miles Arcenal
EVERY game in UAAP Season 88 carries extra weight for Nic Cabañero.
As the beating heart of University of Santo Tomas, he knows this is his last - and frankly, best - chance to bring the proud program back to the promised land and leave a lasting mark in España.
In past years, the 6-foot-3 wing experienced it all, from finishing at the bottom of the standings to struggling without enough support around him.
Last year, things began to shift. The arrival of Forthsky Padrigao gave him the backcourt partner he long needed, helping the Growling Tigers claw their way back to the Final Four.
So when Cabañero decided to stay for his final year, he knew this young, talented squad had the potential to finally go, glow, grow, and growl again.
That was very much evident in their season opener, as the black-and-gold flexed its muscles - on defending champion University of the Philippines, no less.
And even on his off night, finishing with just nine points and five rebounds, he was beyond happy to see his teammates step up and come through, just as he has long dreamed, in UST's 87-67 statement victory vs. the Fighting Maroons.
“Masaya ako kasi alam ko talaga na ginagawa nila yung roles nila. Naniwala lang talaga ako sa teammates ko na kayang-kaya nila,” said the skipper.
“And of course, alam ko off night ako ngayon, pero it doesn’t matter as long as you win. Walang off night sa panalo,” he added.
READ: Collins Akowe too much to handle in UST statement win against UP
Rookie big Collins Akowe announced his arrival with a monster debut, posting 29 points and 17 rebounds, while getting help from Kyle Paranada and Gelo Crisostomo who also chipped in 18 and eight points, respectively.
UST gets back its court general
Even more, the Growling Tigers did it despite missing Padrigao due to suspension.
Still, Cabañero made sure his co-captain was right there with them in spirit.
“He texted me last night, reminding me to be ready to lead the team,” he shared. “Sabi niya, ‘Wala man ako, pero presence ko, nandun pa rin.’”
Cabañero is the first to acknowledge that even with this win, the mission is far from over, especially with their next assignment being against La Salle, the runner-up last season and champion two years ago.
“There are still 13 more games. Just stick to the system and isipin lang namin every game is a new learning experience for us,” he said.
“Nilu-look forward ko talaga is to be in the championship. I know even other teams are aiming for that, hindi kami magsa-stop, we just want to win. Nandun pa rin yung pagiging hungry, yung hunger namin as Tigers na manalo.”
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