Cabañero eyes Korean cage league stint

After completing his five-year career in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Cebuano basketball star Nicael Cabañero has expressed his ambition to play in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) next. In an exclusive interview, Cabañero stated that playing in the KBL is his primary plan, with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as an alternative if the international opportunity does not materialize.

Cabañero, a former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers team captain and son of a University of San Carlos coach, left the UAAP with a notable record, including being a three-time scoring champion and a two-time Mythical Five member. Recently, he was named Finals MVP in a Cebu semi-commercial tournament in December 2025 while playing for the Chase Tower Runs.

While prioritizing an international career, Cabañero remains open to playing for the MPBL, including the possibility of joining the local Cebu Greats team, which he described as an honor. He also mentioned that entering the PBA Draft is part of his plan, but the next draft is not scheduled until 2027, prompting him to consider other leagues first.

If Cabañero succeeds in joining the KBL, he would become the second Cebuano player to do so, following Karl Tamayo. Other Filipino players who have played in the KBL include Rhenz Abando, Justin Gutang, RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Kevin Quiambao, all signed as imports by various teams in the league.