Nic Cabañero

Early life and education Nic Cabañero was born on October 3, 2003 to Dominic and Annalene Cabañero. His father, Dominic is a basketball coach. While Nic Cabañero considers Lapu-Lapu City as his hometown, his parents traces their roots to Inabanga, Bohol. In 2020, he moved to the University of Santo Tomas High School.

At the collegiate level, he attended the University of Santo Tomas, obtaining a degree in marketing management in 2025.

Career High school In high school, Cabañero first suited up for the SHS-AdC Magis Eagles.

Collegiate Cabañero eventually played at the collegiate level in the UAAP. His team, the UST Growling Tigers, struggled in his first two years with UST. In his rookie year in Season 84 in 2021, the Tigers under coach Jino Manansala ended with 3–11 win-lose record. In Season 85 in 2022, UST mentored by Bal David only won one out of 14 games. Pido Jarencio took over UST as coach for Season 86. However the team ended with a 2–12 record.

Cabañero however was able to help UST reach the Final Four in his last two years in Seasons 87 and 88 (2024 and 2025). He was named part of the Mythical Team for both seasons.

He also played 3x3 basketball in the UAAP, helping UST win Season 84.

Club After graduating from UST, Cabañero looked to join the Korean Basketball League (KBL) or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). He also plans to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) but the next PBA draft he can join is still in 2027. His first stint with Binan was at the 2026 MPBL Preseason Invitational. He later made his debut in the 2026 regular season in April.

3x3 national team Cabañero is also a 3x3 basketball player and he has been part of the Philippine national 3x3 team. He was part of the youth team which played in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Asia Pacific in Qatar. He is part of the senior squad which took part in the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China.

Personal life Nic Cabanero's younger brother Andwele is also a basketball player.