Nic Cabañero talks to the press during Zamboanga Valientes' media day on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Nic Cabañero of Zamboanga Valientes is already looking forward to the experiences he could soak up in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The international tourney, as Cabañero expressed, could help his rising career.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) product also thanked the team, Zamboanga Valientes, its management, and coaches for the opportunity bestowed to him.
"Grateful to the Valientes team, coaches, management, teammates, supporters... binigyan kami ng chance dito to help reinforce the team, showcase more talent. I think marami kaming matututunan din, from our kuyas, Kyt [Jimenez]. malaking bagay sa 'min 'to," Cabañero said Tuesday during the team's media availability in Mandaluyong City.
Cabañero will team up in the backcourt with fellow UST Growling Tiger Forthsky Padrigao. They recently led the UST men's basketball team to a Final Four appearance in Season 87, the first in five years.
Moreoever, Cabañero is just ready to play any role the coaches would give him.
"Excited lang ako to play and kung anong role ibibigay sa 'kin ng coaches, I'll gladly take that, kung ano makaka-satisfy sa team, magfi-fit ako sa system, dun ako kasi iba yung tournament e. Yun nga, sa short preparation we had, dapat mag-fit ako sa system ng coaches."
The Growling Tiger will also play with ex-UAAP rival, University of the Philippines' Malick Diouf.
"Sobrang thankful ako and grateful din ako sa team, kay Malick din. Matagal na kami magkakilala(?) ever since (Season) 84, magkakilala na kami," Cabañero said.
"Excited din ako na makalaro din siya, and ayon, madami ding ex-PBA players dito, I think marami din akong matututunan sa kanila. Outside of basketball, madami silang advices sa 'kin which makakatulong sa 'kin and mag-develop, mag-improve."
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