Last conference, the San Miguel Beermen lost the Fiesta Cup title to the up-and-coming Alaska Aces despite having returning super-import Gabe Freeman at the helm. At the time, the Beermen played four of its current starting five led by point guard Alex Cabagnot.But during the decisive moments of that series, Cabagnot often found himself sitting on the bench in lieu of guys like Denok Miranda and elder statesman Olsen Racela-- being badly outplayed by Alaska counterpart and who most of todays pundits recognize as the best point guard in the land, L.A. Tenorio.
This year, things have turned out for the better with Cabagnot receiving free reign from rookie coach Ato Agustin, and playing consistent, heavy minutes for the Beermen. While his averages are still quite modest at best (finishing the Philippine Cup elims at 8.29 ppg 4.36 rpg 5.29 apg), it has become pretty clear that SMB has found an heir apparent to Olsen Racela-- a guy who doesn't dominate the ball, simply orchestrates and when he has to, takes clutch shots for the team.
