ALEX Cabagnot's PBA odyssey has just made another stop. From the looks it, his journey is far from over.

The lack of a third party willing to act as a conduit between sister-teams San Miguel Beer and Ginebra will keep the well-traveled Cabagnot in the SMB camp, at least until the season-ending PBA Fiesta Cup.

This development was relayed to Malaya yesterday by the player's agent, Danny Espiritu, who added Cabagnot will be put under the microscope by the Beermen coaching staff while he is with the team.

"The original plan was, Alex will be shipped to Ginebra pero walang mahanap na conduit," related Espiritu. "Pero ngayon, medyo iba na muna ang plano sa kanya. Coach Siot (Tanquingcen) talked to him and told him to stay and they will see kung magki-click siya sa system ng team."

Earlier this week, Cabagnot was acquired by SMB from Air21 (formerly Burger King) in a straight one-on-one deal, with the original plan to move him to Ginebra.

Kings coach Jong Uichico has admitted he needs to infuse fresh blood into his backcourt since his guards–Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa and Celino Cruz–have been stricken by injuries for majority of the last three conferences.

Ginebra has even re-activated Johnny Abarrientos to fill the void, but the weakness has been pounced upon by the opposition, leading to the Kings being swept by Alaska in four games in the Philippine Cup semifinals.

The southpaw Cabagnot may fit the bill but that change has got to wait.

Drafted No. 2 overall by Sta. Lucia Realty in the 2005 rookie draft, the 27-year-old Cabagnot has also seen action for Coca-Cola before being traded near the end of the recent Philippine Cup eliminations to Burger King.

In SMB, the former University of Hawaii-Hilo standout must share court time with Jonas Villanueva, Denok Miranda and Olsen Racela.

"Coach Siot told him na titingnan pa niya kung magiging effective siya sa team together with the other point guards," said Espiritu. "Gusto kasi i-maximize ni Siot ‘yung talent ng kanyang mga point guards and if they will find out na hindi puwede, they will still pursue the trade." - www.malaya.com.ph