The future looks bright for Alex Cabagnot as he opens a new chapter of his professional career in the Korean Basketball League.
His former coaches, Leo Austria and Jorge Gallent, believe that the veteran Cabagnot will thrive when he suits up as Asian import for the Goya Sono Skygunners.
Already 41 years old, Cabagnot will be bringing with him his rich basketball experience and his cerebral plays are expected to be a major boost to the Skygunners, who decided to tap him to replace injured Joshua Torralba.
Austria, who served as Cabagnot’s mentor at San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association, is convinced that the 5-foot-11 playmaker can still be an asset.
“He won nine championships playing with me, so I think he’ll thrive in Korea,” said Austria, now back in the Beermen’s camp as a coaching consultant after taking a coaching hiatus.
“Knowing Alex, who is obsessed with winning, I think he remains in tip-top condition to help out his team. He’ll be a good fit there, especially since teams in Korea train twice a day. Alex does that during his time with San Miguel. Outside of our regular training, he also has his own training.”
Austria’s only concern is the playing time, saying that Cabagnot will be a major asset if he will be given enough exposure and freedom to run the plays.
“In Korea, they give priority to local players, but if Alex can be given more playing time, he’ll be a factor for the team. He’s a very intelligent player and his decision-making is essential to all the teams he played for,” Austria added.
Gallent also believes in Cabagnot’s potential in Korea as he used to be Austria’s assistant during the height of the Beermen’s success. In fact, Gallent watched in awe as Cabagnot formed the dreaded “Death Five” together with Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo.
Now that he is already San Miguel’s head coach, Gallent feels that Cabagnot can still make key contributions to his Korean squad.
“I’m sure he’ll provide the leadership and championship experience to the team he’s going to play for,” Gallent said.
