MANILA – Gabriel Banal sees it as a dream fulfilled for him to land a contract with the Alaska Aces, three years since his previous stint with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
According to Banal, it was fit for him to land a one-year contract with the Aces, the squad he was rooting for during his childhood days since his father Joel is one of the assistant coaches then.
“Masaya kasi nakabalik sa PBA with the team I grew up cheering for,” Banal said in an interview with Spin.ph. “Kasi nung bata pa ako, dad ko nag-coach sa Alaska nung panahon pa nila Sean Chambers, Jojo Lastimosa, and Johnny A(bbarientos).”
“Dream come true rin para sa akin na maglalaro ako sa organization kung saan na lumaki ako,” he added.
The 29-year-old Banal further said he has been practicing with the Aces for three weeks. He was assured by head coach Jeffrey Cariaso that he will be signed to a deal.
“Inassure naman sa akin ni coach Jeff na we are going to sign you before the draft. Thank God na-sign ako,” said Banal.
Banal, a former standout of Mapua Cardinals, was drafted in the second round by the San Miguel Beermen in 2014 but he only tasted PBA action in 2017 with the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Following his unfruitful stint with the Batang Pier, Banal played in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and in PBA Developmental League. He won the Most Valuable Player trophies from both leagues.
“Siguro naging mature ako competing in the MPBL, D-League, 3×3. Marami talaga. I guess ‘yung maturity ko as a player na-develop kasi I’m meeting new players, facing different opponents international and halfcourt,” said Banal.
Aside from Banal, the Aces have also picked up free agent center Yousef Taha, who last played for the TNT Tropang Giga before left unsigned last year./PN
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA – Gabriel Banal sees it as a dream fulfilled for him to land a contract with the Alaska Aces, three years since his previous stint with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
According to Banal, it was fit for him to land a one-year contract with the Aces, the squad he was rooting for during his childhood days since his father Joel is one of the assistant coaches then.
“Masaya kasi nakabalik sa PBA with the team I grew up cheering for,” Banal said in an interview with Spin.ph. “Kasi nung bata pa ako, dad ko nag-coach sa Alaska nung panahon pa nila Sean Chambers, Jojo Lastimosa, and Johnny A(bbarientos).”
“Dream come true rin para sa akin na maglalaro ako sa organization kung saan na lumaki ako,” he added.
The 29-year-old Banal further said he has been practicing with the Aces for three weeks. He was assured by head coach Jeffrey Cariaso that he will be signed to a deal.
“Inassure naman sa akin ni coach Jeff na we are going to sign you before the draft. Thank God na-sign ako,” said Banal.
Banal, a former standout of Mapua Cardinals, was drafted in the second round by the San Miguel Beermen in 2014 but he only tasted PBA action in 2017 with the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Following his unfruitful stint with the Batang Pier, Banal played in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and in PBA Developmental League. He won the Most Valuable Player trophies from both leagues.
“Siguro naging mature ako competing in the MPBL, D-League, 3×3. Marami talaga. I guess ‘yung maturity ko as a player na-develop kasi I’m meeting new players, facing different opponents international and halfcourt,” said Banal.
Aside from Banal, the Aces have also picked up free agent center Yousef Taha, who last played for the TNT Tropang Giga before left unsigned last year./PN
