THE Ilagan Isabela Cowboys had won three games in a row in the Season 8 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The recent surge was credited to a player who is no stranger to winning.
Alex Cabagnot, one of the finest playmakers Philippine basketball has produced, is now bringing his winning ways to the Cowboys. The team had who won three straight after dropping their first game at the start of the season.
At age 43, Cabagnot has kept himself in tip-top shape which allowed him several call ups over the past few years.
Cabagnot was a part of the San Miguel Beermen’s nine championships in the PBA and has helped the franchise in establishing a dynasty.
He was the Finals MVP in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup and even after leaving San Miguel Beer, he has remained instrumental in the teams he played for — including PBA teams Terrafirma and Converge, Korean squad Goyang Sono Skygunners, the same ball club Gilas Pilipinas player Kevin Quiambao is playing right now, and his previous MPBL squad Basilan.
He’s been actively playing on top of his role as a member of the coaching staff of the UE Red Warriors, helping out head coach Chris Gavina, former PBA player Paolo Hubalde and probably the greatest player the school has ever produced, The Trigger Man Allan Caidic.
Cabagnot proved that he can still bring his A-game, which he’s been practically doing for the retooled Cowboys of team owner Jeao Diaz.
In their 92-75 win over Imus, Cabagnot produced 18 points.
Playing only in their second season in the MPBL, the Cowboys made it to the playoffs in their first year, but couldn’t get past the first round as they were devoured by eventual champion Abra Weavers.
This time, they want to go the extra mile with Cabagnot in tow.
With Cabagnot now providing the leadership, the Cowboys’ backcourt has become pretty stable as players like Donald Gumaru and Jerie Pingoy will have an veteran to count on.
The Cowboys didn’t only shore up their backcourt. They also beefed up their frontline and one of those who had proven to become a great addition is former PBA player Joseph Gabayni.
Gabayni, who previously saw action for the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL, immediately provided what has been lacking for the Cowboys last season — that tough, interior presence.
In the team’s 104-75 bashing of Sarangani, Gabayni came a rebound short of posting a double-double performance as he pumped in 16 points on top of nine rebounds.
The Cowboys are now beginning to clear the path and set a good pace early. This is a good indication as the team could barely crack the .500 win-loss mark and had to scramble their way to the playoffs last season.
With Cabagnot keeping ahold of the team, Ilagan Isabela is feeling that calming presence. The Cowboys have no reason to feel anxious as they brought in the guy who takes control.
Cabagnot is definitely the coach inside the court and players are following the lead.
In the huddle, however, you have coach Louie Gonzalez keeping things at hand.
The Cowboys are raring to go, far than what you can imagine and they are making a strong case this early that they are ready to mix it up with the top dogs in the league.
