VETERAN Alex Cabagnot is not only a basketball idol for Blackwater sophomore Diego Dario.
The San Miguel star also served as a 'good mentor and a good role model,' in Dario's own words.
The wily playmaker credited Cabagnot as the one who exhorted him to apply in the PBA draft two years ago and eventually, made him realize his dream of suiting up in Asia's pioneering pro league.
"Siya yung isa sa mga mentors na nag-push sa akin to enter the draft after (my stint) UP," Dario said. "Tinanong niya ako kung magpapa-draft na ako."
The 23-year-old guard admitted having hesitations about turning pro, but was persuaded by Cabagnot to apply nonetheless.
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Cabagnot, 37, after all, knew Dario's work ethic. The two would always work out every after practices of the Fighting Maroons since the San Miguel star became part of UP's coaching staff in 2016 under Bo Perasol.
That the team was coming off its first ever UAAP Finals stint after 32 long years was also a perfect opportunity, according to Cabagnot, for Dario to gamble and see how he will fare in the annual proceedings involving prospective rookie players.
"Sabi niya sa akin huwag kang mag-dalawang isip, galing ka sa Finals at maganda naman ang nilaro mo," Dario recalled the words of the nine-time PBA champion to him.
"At tsaka andun naman daw sila at iga-guide kami (mga bata)."
Those words were enough to encourage Dario, who was picked in the third round or 24th overall by Blackwater and later, signed to a contract.
Now Dario not only got to join his former UP coach in the PBA, but also gets to play against him.
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"Thankful din ako kay coach Alex, ngayon nakakalaban na namin siya," he said.
Dario expressed his appreciation to the San Miguel stalwart during a recent Kamustahan episode of the PBA. (RG)
