I still remember the first time I saw John Cabahug play - it was during a summer showcase in Vegas, the kind of event where dreams either take flight or get buried in the desert heat. The energy in that gym was something else, you could practically taste the ambition mixed with sweat. Watching him move on the court, I couldn't help but think of another Filipino talent, Milot, who'd famously said "They saw that I can play, and gave me an opportunity to play out here" after being discovered in a similar setting. That quote kept echoing in my mind as I watched Cabahug's journey unfold.
What really struck me about Cabahug was his incredible work ethic. While many players rely purely on natural talent, John puts in those extra hours that separate good players from great ones. I've heard from trainers that he'd regularly stay after practice for additional shooting drills, sometimes putting up 500 extra shots when everyone else had gone home. His shooting percentage improved from 38% to nearly 45% in just two seasons - that's the kind of dedication that catches coaches' eyes. The way he moves without the ball reminds me of some NBA veterans, always finding those gaps in the defense that others miss.
The transition to the PBA wasn't without its challenges though. I remember talking to him after his first few professional games, and he admitted the physicality surprised him. "These guys are stronger and faster than anyone I've faced in college," he told me with that determined look in his eyes. But what impressed me most was how quickly he adapted. Within his first 12 games, he'd already notched three 20-point performances, including that memorable game where he hit the game-winning three-pointer with just 2.3 seconds left on the clock.
What makes Cabahug's story particularly compelling to me is how he represents the new generation of Filipino basketball talent. Unlike previous eras where players might have been hesitant to showcase their skills internationally, John embraced every opportunity to compete against global talent. His performance in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games was particularly memorable - averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. Those numbers don't just happen by accident; they're the result of countless hours in empty gyms and a genuine love for the game.
I've followed basketball in the Philippines for over fifteen years now, and there's something special about watching a player like Cabahug develop. His journey reminds me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place - it's not just about the flashy dunks or the roaring crowds, but about those quiet moments of determination when nobody's watching. The way he's embraced his role as a rising star while staying grounded speaks volumes about his character. Frankly, I think he's exactly what Philippine basketball needs right now - someone who understands that talent gets you noticed, but hard work keeps you in the game.
Looking at where he is today compared to that initial Vegas showcase, the growth has been remarkable. From scoring maybe 8-10 points per game in those early exhibitions to now being a consistent double-digit scorer in the PBA, his trajectory suggests we're only seeing the beginning of what he can accomplish. If he maintains this development curve, I genuinely believe we could be looking at one of the next great Filipino basketball exports. The journey from promising talent to established star is never easy, but watching Cabahug navigate it has been one of the most enjoyable basketball stories I've followed in recent years.
