AGE is just a number for veteran Alex Cabagnot, who got a new gig in Korea as the Goyang Sono Skygunners’ newest Asian import.
Mr. Cabagnot, who turned 41 last Dec. 8, took the slot of compatriot Josh Torralba, who sustained a thigh injury.
“Alex Cabagnot has joined the Sono Skygunners,” the Korean Basketball League club announced yesterday. “Please look forward to Alex Cabagnot, who will provide strength as an Asian Quota player.”
In the nine-time PBA champion Mr. Cabagnot, the Skygunners can expect leadership and poise under pressure as they try to improve on their 8-13 record.
The hiring of the 6-foot Mr. Cabagnot, who became a free agent after his last contract with Terrafirma ended last April, broke the trend of college stars from the Philippines or players in their prime being recruited overseas.
He joined young guns such as Rhenz Abando of Anyang, SJ Belangel of Daegu, Dave Ildefonso of Suwon, Juan Gomez de Liaño of Seoul) and Justin Gutang of Changwon, among others, in the Korean league.
Younger ballers are also plying their trade over in the Japan B. League, including Carl Tamayo of Ryukyu, AJ Edu of Toyama, RJ Abarrientos of Shinshu, and Dwight Ramos of Hokkaido as well as established PBA stars Kiefer Ravena of Shiga, Matthew Wright of Kyoto and Ray Parks, Jr. of Nagoya. — Olmin Leyba