Banal brothers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
They may have started the day as roommates, but once they got to Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, the Banal brothers were nothing but foes.
Gab and Ael faced off for the first time this season when their respective teams Blackwater met GlobalPort on Wednesday in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup.
“It was our first time to play against each other so I didn’t really know what to feel about it,” said the elder Gab.
As teammates in grade school and inter-village tournaments, the Banals didn’t get a chance to play against each other before as they went on their separate ways. Gab stayed in Xavier for high school, and proceeded to La Salle before transferring to Mapua in college, while Ael opted to go to Ateneo High School before leaving for the United States as he studied at Hope International School in California.
They also missed out a prior chance to face off as Ael played Racal in the PBA D-League, while Gab was with Mighty Sports in the PCBL.
But two days before the tiff, GlobalPort activated the hardworking forward as the family penciled December 21 on their calendars.
“Coming into this game, we got the notice that he’ll be activated. So this is really a special one for us, that we fought for once in our lives,” said Ael. “It’s really a memorable experience, a very special moment for us, for our family.”
But they didn’t let their emotions get the best of them with the brothers given the chance to strut their stuff on the court.
“I kept my focus on the game. I just stayed ready because I knew I needed to be ready when I’m called up,” said Gab.
The same goes with Ael, saying, “We’re focused. I think us teasing each other is only when we’re playing the PlayStation, but when it comes to the game, we’re serious.”
Gab made the most of his nine minutes, going for two points, a rebound, and a steal, while Ael had his best game to date, as he went for five markers, a board, and also a steal.
They also had a brief moment as they boxed each other out in one rebound sequence.
“I’m going for an offensive rebound, but he was there,” said Gab as he sheepishly recounts the exchange.
“I didn’t know how I would treat him as a brother or as an opponent. But I was focused on the game and I nudged him.”
“Kuya Gab” may have escaped with the hit, but it was Ael who got the last laugh, as the Elite came away with the 99-91 win.
Despite the loss, Gab is still happy for Ael, who he hopes will be able to showcase his talents in the league.
“It’s just the adjustment period. The faster one to adjust will be the first one to excel. He played well today, he’s adjusting, and I hope it continues,” said Gab.
Ael is wishing that his sibling’s words will also come true, as he slowly finds his niche in Blackwater.
“In the first few days, I was thinking more on what the team needed that I forgot that I also have to be a threat. So in a way, I was being selfish by nor being a threat. That’s what I thought of, that I have to show what I can do for the team to help us get stronger.”
“I’m happy with what I showed but I know it still ain’t enough. But slowly I’m getting there, doing extra work with the coaches. I hope I get to the level I expect myself to be in.”
As for Gab, he expects a lot of ribbing from his younger brother.
“Asar-talo na naman ako,” he said.