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MPBL: Gab Banal thanks Bacoor, eyes title with Nueva Ecija

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/sports/03/31/manila-challenger-phenom-basilan-gab-banal.jpg"/><figcaption>Gab Banal will move on from Bacoor to Nueva Ecija in the MPBL. Handout photo</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines -- Before the MPBL&#x27;s Raja Cup was set to unfold, Gab Banal was in limbo as most teams had already filled their roster spots.Fortunately for Banal, an opportunity to suit up in the regional league fell into his lap with the last-minute entry of Bacoor City.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/generalsports/news/2020/03/30/tokyo-olympics-rescheduled-july-23-aug-8-2021-67365">READ: Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for July 23-Aug. 8 in 2021</a></li></ul>&quot;It was the last MPBL team to be formed, and I had no team at the time,&quot; he recalled.Banal, who played college ball for De La Salle University and Mapua University, was taken with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft but played just four games in the professional league from 2015 to 2017.Still, prior to his stint in the MPBL, Banal had already established himself as one of the most decorated cagers playing outside the pro league. He represented the country numerous times, suiting up in the FIBA 3x3 Challenger, the Asia League, and the William Jones Cup under different clubs.He also made his presence felt by leading the Go for Gold Scratchers to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title in 2018.Despite all the accolades under his belt and all the lessons he had learned, Banal was still hungry for more experiences.Before joining Bacoor, Banal only wanted to join a team so he can showcase his talents and take his skills up a notch. But the 29-year-old swingman found something more than what he looked for -- he found a home and gained a family.Though his stint with the city came because of necessity, Banal realized that it is where he got to develop his game even more. The management, led by Strike and Chaye Revilla, took him in with open arms and entrusted him with the keys to lead the squad.For that, he’s forever grateful.&quot;My overall experience with Bacoor was great. It&#x27;s in Bacoor where I really got to develop my game. The management is great. Cong. Strike and Ma&#x27;am Chaye treated me like their own, that&#x27;s why I wanted to show how grateful I am by doing my best every game,&quot; said Banal.He made sure to repay Bacoor&#x27;s trust. Banal led the Strikers to a semifinals appearance during his MVP season in the Datu Cup.Unfortunately, Banal suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee that forced him to sit out Bacoor&#x27;s Game 2 and 3 duel against Basilan in the semis of the Chooks-to-Go Lakan Cup. It was an unceremonious end to his second tour of duty with the team.&quot;I hope I repaid their generosity by winning the MVP and leading the team to back to back south semifinals appearance. We didn&#x27;t quite make it all the way but I&#x27;m proud of what we&#x27;ve achieved,&quot; said Banal, who averaged 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in his two seasons with Bacoor.He said that missing out on their crucial games is &quot;much more painful than the injury itself.&quot;&quot;As a team, we&#x27;ve worked hard for almost a year. It hurts that you can&#x27;t do anything but cheer your team on especially in the most important stretch of the season. I tried to do whatever I can do to help the team through motivating them,&quot; he said.As tough as the outcome was, Banal remained content with what he achieved in his two-year run with the Strikers. Though he did not lead the team to a championship, he was embraced by the city and its people.&quot;I guess my favorite moments are always after the games at home. The crowd entering the court and just wanna give you a high five. It&#x27;s those moments that you realize how much you have an impact with these kids,&quot; said Banal, who declined offers from three PBA teams to stay with Bacoor.&quot;When you give them a high five or have a photo with them, their faces light up. It&#x27;s my favorite moment because despite what their status in life is, they see a glimmer of hope,&quot; he added.The adopted son of Bacoor is now set to step out of the comfort of his home.Banal accepted the challenge of leading the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the fourth season of the league, where he hoped to do what he failed to accomplish in Bacoor -- win a national championship. (For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>).

Before the MPBL's Raja Cup was set to unfold, Gab Banal was in limbo as most teams had already filled their roster spots.

Before the MPBL's Raja Cup was set to unfold, Gab Banal was in limbo as most teams had already filled their roster spots.