AFTER competing and dominating various leagues in the Southeast Asian region, Cebuano sniper Patrick Jan Cabahug is heading back home and will be playing for the Zamboanga Valientes-MLV in the upcoming season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
After a brief stint for Air21 in the PBA, the former Adamson Falcon embarked on a basketball nomad’s career that has brought him to Malaysia, where he recently played for the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the ABL, Indonesia and Thailand, where he currently is, playing for the Madgoat Basketball Club in the Thailand Super League.
He will be suiting up for the Valientes as soon as he fulfills his contractual obligations by the end of June.
Cabahug had initially wanted to play for his hometown of Cebu but was told that the roster for the Casino Ethyl Alcohol was already full.
The Valientes, with former pros Leo Avenido and fellow Cebuano Reed Juntilla already in their fold, did not waste time picking up the seasoned veteran.
Cabahug was more than happy to pounce on the opportunity to come home and play in front of the Filipino crowd.
“Home is where your heart belongs as they say. Since the debut of MPBL, I was already a big fan and wanted to play for one of its teams. I’ve been playing overseas for a long time now, so it’s a blessing to me to finally play in the league with the Zamboanga Valientes,” Cabahug said. “It gives me an opportunity to play again in my country with my fellow Filipino teammates and the best Filipino crowd.”
Cabahug described the feeling of finally coming home to having his “cravings satisfied.”
“It means a lot to me. I have played in several countries but nothing beats the Filipino crowd.”
Cabahug also lauded the MPBL and the hope that it brings to Filipino players of all ages.
“The MPBL brings hope to a lot of Filipinos. Our country has a lot of talented basketball players but they just don’t have the chance to join big leagues.
The MPBL truly brings Filipinos closer together and provides the opportunity to showcase everyone’s talent.”