Santos-Cabagnot reunion in Basilan for new MPBL season
TWO-fifths of San Miguel's famed ‘Death Five’ are teaming up anew in the MPBL.
Alex Cabagnot hooked up with Basilan Viva Portmasters in a move that brought him back together with former Beermen teammate Arwind Santos.
Cabagnot, 42, was signed by the returning MPBL franchise after his contract with Converge expired without an extension.
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That paved the way for him and Santos to play again for one team following their successful stint with SMB where they formed part of the legendary 'Death Five' along with June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter.
During their time together, the dreaded quintet produced eight championships for the flagship team of the San Miguel Corporation, including five straight Philippine Cup titles.
Incidentally, both Santos and Cabagnot left the Beermen one after the other in 2021. The ‘Spiderman’ was dealt to NorthPort for Vic Manuel, while Cabagnot was traded to Terrafirma for Simon Enciso.
Cabagnot briefly suited up for the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League before finding his way back to the PBA when he inked a contract with the FiberXers prior to the start of Season 49.
He was a key contributor coming off the bench to Converge’s run in the Philippine Cup, where they reached the playoffs and pushed San Miguel to the limit before losing in a deciding Game 5 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
His playing time dwindled in the Commissioner’s Cup, but he remained in perfect playing shape - convincing Basilan management to sign him for a reconnection with Santos for the team’s campaign in the seventh season of the MPBL.
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At Basilan, Cabagnot and Santos are also reunited with another former SMB teammate in Rabeh Al-Hussaini. The three won the 2011 Governors’ Cup under the Petron Blaze banner, although Al-Hussaini – then a rookie – was injured when the Boosters prevented TNT from scoring a Grand Slam following their 85-73 win in Game 7.
Other former PBA players in the Basilan roster are Jervy Cruz, Rey Publico, Jeff Viernes, Sherwin Concepcion, and Clint Doliguez.
Basilan will make its debut on March 11 against Rizal at the Ynares Center.
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