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Desiderio got schooled by 'Coach Alex' in first PBA encounter

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/sports/02/07/20190207-desiderio-de-ocampo.jpg"/><figcaption>Paul Desiderio (18) attacks the defense of San Miguel center Yancy de Ocampo. Richard Esguerra, <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/pba/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater rookie Paul Desiderio was well aware of Alex Cabagnot&#x27;s capabilities as a player, having been coached by the San Miguel veteran during his days with the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.But scrimmages in practice are very different from actual in-game situations, and on Wednesday night, Desiderio saw firsthand how good Cabagnot truly was in a competitive setting.With the Elite playing San Miguel Beer in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Desiderio found himself repeatedly matched up against his mentor – and was schooled completely by the veteran guard.&quot;Kinain tayo ng buhay ng mentor natin,&quot; Desiderio admitted after the game.Desiderio, who was traded to Blackwater by NLEX after the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft, put up 4 points on 2-of-8 shooting, on top of 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Neither he nor any other Blackwater guard had much success against Cabagnot, as the SMB guard had 19 points and 5 assists.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/pba/news/2019/02/06/pba-beermen-back-track-strong-performance-vs-bwe-53072">READ: Beermen back on track with strong performance vs. BWE</a></li></ul>San Miguel claimed a 93-79 triumph, ending a two-game skid. It was a <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/06/19/pba-cabagnot-shines-in-return-to-san-miguel">successful return for Cabagnot</a>, who missed their previous four games while healing from surgery to repair his broken nose.Desiderio acknowledged afterward that he tried his best to stop Cabagnot, but could not get it done.&quot;Siyempre, kailangan ko ma-stop si Coach Alex,&quot; he said. &quot;Teacher saka student – siyempre panalo &#x27;yung teacher. Wala tayong magagawa doon.&quot;The result of the game notwithstanding, Desiderio was thrilled to have played against Cabagnot, who has served as an assistant coach to the UP Fighting Maroons since 2016.&quot;&#x27;Yung mentor mo sa college, kalaban mo na sa PBA,&quot; said the young Blackwater guard. &quot;Iniisip ko na lang na andito na sa pro eh. Hindi ko inisip na coach ko siya.&quot;Cabagnot, for his part, expressed his pride at seeing Desiderio – and fellow UP product Diego Dario – reach the professional ranks after mentoring them in the UAAP. However, there was one aspect of the night that he did not quite like.&quot;Nakakailang nga, because they were saying, &#x27;Coach.&#x27; Huwag mo naman akong tawaging coach, nahihiya na nga ako eh,&#x27;&quot; Cabagnot revealed.The San Miguel guard added that he will continue to mentor both Desiderio and Dario, even if they are now on different teams.&quot;I tell them to stay aggressive,&quot; he said. &quot;If they have the open shots, just take it. I know they&#x27;re prepared to take it. Those are the little windows that they need to take advantage of.&quot;<div>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.</div>

Blackwater rookie Paul Desiderio was well aware of Alex Cabagnot's capabilities as a player, having been coached by the San Miguel veteran during his days with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Blackwater rookie Paul Desiderio was well aware of Alex Cabagnot's capabilities as a player, having been coached by the San Miguel veteran during his days with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Desiderio got schooled by 'Coach Alex' in first PBA encounter

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Desiderio got schooled by 'Coach Alex' in first PBA encounter

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 07, 2019 03:57 PM PHT

Read More:

PBA

PBA Philippine Cup

San Miguel Beer

Blackwater

Paul Desiderio

Alex Cabagnot

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