Terrence Romeo in, Alex Cabagnot out indefinitely for SMB in PBA restart

Alex Cabagnot will be out indefinitely for San Miguel as the PBA relocates to Bacolor, Pampanga for the resumption of the 2021 Philippine Cup.

The 38-year old Cabagnot was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be reassessed after two weeks.

SMB team manager Gee Abanilla disclosed the latest development a day before the 27-time PBA champions take on the winless Terrafirma Dyip at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

“[Alex] started his strengthening exercises last week. He will be reassessed by Dr. Raul Canlas on September 13. [A return is] still possible, but it really depends on the assessment of Dr. Canlas. Let’s see,” said Abanilla through a text message to ESPN5.

Head coach Leo Austria, meanwhile, bared that Cabagnot sustained the injury after slipping on a wet portion of the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig during the team’s match against Blackwater last July 28. Prior to the incident, the second overall pick of the 2005 draft logged 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 23 minutes of play.

“He’s very cautious, and so are we. This is a long conference so we’re not rushing him back. We want him to feel confident once he’s back,” said Austria.

On the bright side, the Beermen will be welcoming Terrance Romeo back from sick bay.

“Since we started practicing here, he’s participated in full. I’m expecting him to play,” said Austria on the flamboyant guard who, nonetheless, will continue with the rehabilitation of the left knee he hyperextended during the team’s season opener against the Meralco Bolts last July 18.