I still remember watching the 2004 PBA Draft with particular interest in where Alex Cabagnot would land. Having followed his collegiate career, I always felt he had that special quality that separates good players from franchise-changers. When Burger King selected him as the 7th overall pick, I recall thinking it was a solid choice, though honestly, I didn't anticipate just how significant his career impact would become over the next two decades. That draft position turned out to be just the beginning of what would become one of the most remarkable PBA careers in recent memory.
Cabagnot's journey wasn't always smooth sailing though. He bounced around several teams early in his career—Burger King, Coca-Cola, San Miguel—before truly finding his home and hitting his stride. What impressed me most was how he evolved from being just a scorer to becoming a complete floor general. I've always preferred players who can adapt their game as they mature, and Cabagnot did exactly that. His time with San Miguel Beer particularly stood out to me, where he became the steady hand guiding one of the league's most successful franchises.
The numbers alone tell part of the story—over 8,500 career points, nearly 2,800 rebounds, and more than 3,200 assists across his professional career. But what the stats don't show is his clutch gene. I've lost count of how many game-winners I've seen him hit, especially during San Miguel's dominant run. His partnership with June Mar Fajouri created one of the most lethal pick-and-roll combinations I've witnessed in Philippine basketball. They complemented each other perfectly, with Cabagnot's court vision and Fajouri's dominance in the paint.
Speaking of memorable performances, one game that particularly stands out in my mind was that incredible comeback victory where San Miguel demonstrated their championship DNA. What made this win impressive was how the black-and-gold repeatedly fought back, climbing from a 12-point third quarter deficit, 68-56, and kept themselves close. I remember watching that game thinking it was over, but Cabagnot's steady leadership and big shots down the stretch completely turned things around. That game embodied everything about his value—not just the numbers he put up, but the timing of his contributions when everything was on the line.
From my perspective as someone who's followed the PBA for years, Cabagnot represents that rare breed of player who understands that leadership extends beyond statistics. His basketball IQ was always evident in how he controlled the tempo, knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down. I've always appreciated players who play with that kind of cerebral approach to the game. His ability to read defenses and make the right decisions consistently made everyone around him better.
Looking at his trophy case—multiple championships, an Finals MVP award, numerous All-Star appearances—it's clear that his impact transcended individual accolades. He was instrumental in building the San Miguel dynasty that dominated much of the 2010s. When I think about where Alex Cabagnot was picked in the PBA Draft and his career impact, it's fascinating to reflect on how that 7th selection produced such an influential career. It makes you wonder how many teams that passed on him regretted their decision later.
His longevity in the league speaks volumes about his work ethic and adaptability. In a physical league where guards often have shorter careers, Cabagnot remained effective well into his late 30s, adjusting his game as his athleticism naturally declined but his intelligence continued to grow. That's something I've always respected about veteran players—the wisdom to reinvent themselves while maintaining their effectiveness.
As his career winds down, it's worth appreciating how Cabagnot's journey represents the best of Philippine basketball—skill, heart, and that never-say-die attitude that defines so many great PBA players. His story reminds us that while draft position provides opportunity, it's ultimately the player's development, resilience, and basketball intelligence that determine their legacy. The answer to where Alex Cabagnot was picked in the PBA Draft matters less than what he built from that starting point—a career that inspired countless young players and left an indelible mark on the league he served so well.
