DESPITE receiving hefty and enticing offers from other schools and universities, Nicael Dominie Cabañero opted to go to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers for college.
Cabañero, a native of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, committed to UST since he sees himself flourishing his game further under the guidance of Growling Tigers head coach Jinino Manansala.
“May mga schools din naman na kumausap sa akin, yung iba nga ang lalaki ng offers, but I still chose to commit to UST,” Cabañero told the Buzzer Beater in an online chat on Thursday.
“Hindi naman mahalaga sa akin ‘yun mga kung ano anong kayang ibigay ng ibang schools but ‘yung opportunity to grow as a player at doon ko ‘yun nakikita sa UST,” he added.
“I believe that the system being run by coach Ji will help me improve my game further. Nakikita ko rin dito na maggo-grow pa ako as a player,” the Cebuano guard went on.
The 6-foot-2 Cabañero is contented with UST’s full-scholarship offer and a pair of Adidas shoes of Utah Jazz’ Donovan Mitchell.
“Masaya na po ako dun sa Spida shoes na binigay nila sa akin kasi idol ko po si Donovan Mitchell,” Cabañero said. “Also ‘yung full scholarship na offer nila sa akin, malaking bagay na ‘yun.”
The Cebuano transferred to UST’s high school team last year from San Beda University Red Cubs but unable to strut his wares for the yellow and gold with the UAAP Season 83 canceled due to the pandemic.
Before playing and winning a championship with the Red Cubs, he first suited up for the University of San Carlos and transferred to Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
“I am very thankful to UST kaya I will do my best to help them win and also to show to the Thomasians na magiging competitive kami despite what happened,” Cabanero said about the departure of several UST stars after the infamous “Sorsogon Bubble” controversy.
“Those who departed the team were hard to replace, but I and my teammates, including my fellow newcomers, will do our very best each game and win as many games as possible,” he added.
Before Cabañero, the Growling Tigers have also secured Jordi Gomez de Liano, Leobert Andrew Casinillo, Royce Mantua, and Kean Baclaan, who will play for the squad in UAAP Season 85./PN
