In almost all sports, talent mixed with hard work yields impressive results. This is how Nikki Cabuco has risen as one of the premier women’s basketball players at UFV in just her first season on the team. Her impressive array of offensive skills combined with high-level defence has her looking like one of the Cascades’ future stars.
Cabuco plays point guard for the Cascades, but was introduced to the players and coaches of UFV long before her time with the varsity team. When she was younger, Cabuco played with some of her current teammates on the Junior Cascades, a program by UFV Athletics.
“I actually played Junior Cascades when I was little. I live in Port Moody, so this isn’t that close to me, but I played on the provincial team with Parker, Maddy, and Deanna, and Al was our coach,” Cabuco said.
Her position is one of great importance for UFV, as point guards bring the ball up the court, help set up plays for others, and contribute offensively. Cabuco does all of this, but what makes her special is her defensive prowess. In her first year competing at the university level, Cabuco is averaging 2.0 steals per game for the Cascades, which is in the top 20 for the Canada West conference that UFV plays in.
“I love getting those handy little steals and poking out. My favourite thing to do is to be places that people don’t think I’m going to be,” Cabuco said.
Working on not turning the ball over is a skill she’s still developing, but her defence alone is enough to earn her place on the roster of a team with playoff hopes.
Rookies at UFV or in any major athletics program often have a long road ahead of them in terms of their personal growth as players. Due to the guard position having so many roles, it’s tough to be good at everything. Cabuco sees her offensive skills as something she can improve on.
“For me, what I want to work on is when I can attack and when I can be selfish sometimes and not just give up the ball so much. But then also, even outside basketball, I’m a very sharing person and more caring about other people than myself sometimes, so I think that plays a big role in basketball.”
With playoffs on the horizon, Cabuco is excited for the upcoming challenges the team will face as they continue to build up to their best form for the postseason.
“I think we’re ready. Pat [the assistant coach] and others are doing an incredible [job] on defence. Our offence looks pretty good right now. We just added something sneaky, so I’m actually super excited but I think we will do good.”
This upcoming weekend the Cascades will hit the road in search of some wins against the UNBC Timberwolves in Prince George before coming home to take on the Trinity Western Spartans at home on Jan. 18 at UFV after facing them in Langley on Jan. 16.
Image: UFV Athletics
Photo: Nikki Cabuco
