It’s going to be an emotional Throwback Thursday as June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen go head-to-head against their former teammate from the legendary Death Five, Alex Cabagnot, who is now with the Converge FiberXers.
It seems like Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS world tour is leaving a mark on the PBA players, and it hits differently.
Even though it's not October 5 yet, her song “deja vu” perfectly captures the vibes of June Mar Fajardo’s recent post for his former teammate, Alex Cabagnot, now playing for the Converge FiberXers.
Cabagnot was part of the legendary “Death Five” alongside Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter. Together, they brought home multiple championships under coach Leo Austria in the 2010s.
But when June Mar faced a tough injury, everything changed. The team that once dominated found themselves reeling, and one by one, the players moved on to new beginnings.
READ: PBA: What Death Five? San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent says it’s Death 15
The Crunchman, now 41, played his last PBA game with Terrafirma Dyip in 2023 before taking his talent to the Korean Basketball League as an Asian import.
He even made a stop with the Taiwan Mustangs, where he helped prepare Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
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'Ageless' Alex Cabagnot relishes sharing court with Gilas Pilipinas anew
Despite the years gone by, Cabagnot remains a key player in the league, guiding the young and ambitious Converge FiberXers into the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
READ: Even with top pick Justine Baltazar yet to don the purple uniform, Converge looks to contend for PBA playoffs
And guess what? They’re set to face off against the San Miguel Beermen—his former squad filled with memories that still tug at his heart.
In a heartfelt Instagram story, June Mar shared a snapshot with Alex.
“See you sa playoffs, capt,” he wrote.
It’s a reminder that even though the “Death Five” era is behind them, the bond they forged is unbreakable.
After a tough loss in the 2023-24 Philippine Cup Finals, San Miguel is fired up to reclaim their glory.
And for Alex, this game means so much more—he’s stepping onto the court against the team he once called home, ready to shake things up.
With his wealth of experience, Cabagnot will be a game-changer for Converge, who are eager to prove they’re not just the underdogs anymore but a real force to be reckoned with.
Get ready for a clash of emotions and skills on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. It’s bound to be a mix of nostalgia and fierce competition, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
NEXT: PBA Quarterfinals: Veteran San Miguel battles Alex Cabagnot, young Converge