Mbala can't wait to play in 'second home' in 2023 World Cup

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Mbala can't wait to play in 'second home' in 2023 World Cup

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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Ben Mbala warms up ahead of a FIBA qualifying game. FIBA Media

MANILA, Philippines -- Former De La Salle University star Ben Mbala is determined to help Cameroon qualify to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, especially as it is taking place in his "second home" -- the Philippines.

The Philippines is co-hosting the showpiece event together with Indonesia and Japan, with the final phase of the World Cup set to take place in Manila.

"It's going to be crazy, honestly," said Mbala of the World Cup. "I would probably not stay in my hotel while my team is there."

"I'll probably be outside every day, visiting my friends," he added, speaking during an appearance on "The Prospects" podcast.

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Mbala first made a name for himself in Cebu, playing for Southwestern University before transferring to La Salle. He went on to become a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, and led the Green Archers to the UAAP Season 79 title.

He opted to skip his final season of eligibility and turned professional instead, but the Philippines remained in his heart.

"When I'm in the Philippines, I know so many people. I feel like I'm home," said Mbala. "Sometimes, when I go home, my childhood friends are all grown up. They live in different cities, different countries."

"So when I'm home, I spend all the time with my family, because my friends are not there. But in the Philippines, I always got somewhere to stay. There's people calling me to hang out," he added.

"The Philippines is like my second home, honestly."

Cameroon just missed out on qualifying for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. They placed third in their group with a 7-5 win-loss record, but the other third-placed team, Ivory Coast, got the spot because of a better point differential.

Mbala played nine games for his country in the qualifiers, averaging a team-high 14.4 points along with 4.2 rebounds per game.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).

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