The UST Growling Tigers acquired Nicael Cabañero, a bulky point guard touted as a “complete package,” thanks to the school’s championship tradition and, in part, to a pair of shoes.
Cabañero was initially recruited last year by UST, which prevailed over the NCAA champion, who was also being wooed by five other UAAP schools.
He was part of the pool of players for the Batang Gilas under-17 basketball team. He was also the MVP of the Milcu Got Skills under-15 tournament in 2018.
“Complete package of a player ‘to. Promising talaga. Soon, siguradong makikilala ‘to,” said UST assistant coach Joph Cleopas.
Said Cabañero: “I really love the school, its basketball program and the UST community. Kaya sa scholarship at sapatos na nabigay sa pagpunta ng bahay namin, ang saya ko po kaya gusto ko po na someday makabawi po ako sa mga coaches and especially sa school.”
“It’s not all about money; ang decision niya ay to play with UST talaga,” Cleopas added.
Aside from UST coaches, IPEA Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. and Growling Tigers sponsors Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina and Ryan David Roxas helped in the recruitment process. John Ezekiel J. Hirro
