I still remember the first time I saw John Cabahug play - it was during a summer league game where his effortless three-point shooting immediately caught my attention. There's something special about players who find their way to the PBA through unconventional paths, much like how Milot described his own journey: "I met him at a showcase in Vegas. They saw that I can play, and gave me an opportunity to play out here." That quote really resonates with me because it captures the essence of how many Filipino talents, including Cabahug, have been discovered through these showcase events.
Cabahug's statistics tell an interesting story of consistency and growth. In his rookie season with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, he averaged around 8.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 38% from beyond the arc. What makes these numbers remarkable is that he achieved them while playing limited minutes off the bench. I've always believed that true talent reveals itself not in the quantity of minutes played, but in how effectively a player uses whatever time they're given. Cabahug exemplifies this perfectly - whenever he steps on the court, he makes his presence felt immediately.
One particular game that stands out in my memory was during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup when Cabahug dropped 22 points against the mighty San Miguel Beermen. The way he moved without the ball, finding open spots in the defense, reminded me of classic Filipino shooters like Allan Caidic. His career-high 27 points against NorthPort last season wasn't just about the scoring - it was the timing of those points that impressed me most. When his team needed buckets during crucial stretches, Cabahug delivered with the calmness of a veteran.
Looking at his career trajectory, I can't help but feel excited about what's next for him. At 28 years old, he's entering what should be his prime years, and I genuinely think he could develop into one of the league's premier shooting guards if given more consistent playing time. His defensive improvements have been noticeable too - last season, he averaged 1.2 steals per game, showing he's more than just a shooter. The way I see it, Cabahug represents the modern PBA player who understands that specialization matters, but versatility wins games.
What really makes Cabahug's story compelling to me is how it mirrors the journey of many Filipino-foreign players finding their place in Philippine basketball. Like Milot mentioned in that Vegas showcase story, sometimes all a player needs is that one opportunity to prove they belong. Cabahug got his chance and has been making the most of it ever since. I've followed his career closely because he represents what I love about Philippine basketball - the underdog stories, the relentless pursuit of improvement, and that distinct Filipino heart that shines through in crucial moments.
Thinking about his future prospects, I'm bullish on Cabahug's potential to become a cornerstone player for whatever team he plays for. His work ethic appears solid, and he's shown gradual improvement in every aspect of his game. While some analysts might point to his age as a concern, I actually see it as an advantage - he brings maturity and experience that younger players simply don't have. If he continues developing at this pace, I wouldn't be surprised to see him averaging 15 points per game within the next two seasons and potentially earning an All-Star selection. The PBA needs more stories like Cabahug's - players who prove that with perseverance and the right opportunity, dreams can become reality on the hardwood.
