Balkman ‘willing to come back’ to PBA, but focus now still on Alab

Renaldo Balkman. Photo from ASEAN Basketball League

It took half a decade for Renaldo Balkman’s lifetime ban in the PBA to be lifted, and the Puerto Rican international is glad he can come back to the world’s second oldest professional basketball league.

Balkman said he has no qualms about coming back to the PBA after he got banished from the league in 2013 after he choked teammate Arwind Santos when the two played together under Petron, now known as San Miguel.

READ: With Balkman ban lifted, can SMB reunion happen?

“I’m willing to come back,” said Balkman after Alab Pilipinas’ 110-100 win over Saigon in the ASEAN Basketball League best-of-three quarterfinals Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre. “It’s a great thing [for the ban to get lifted].”

“Five years ago I did something and when they [the PBA] called and let me know I was kind of relieved.”

For now, though, Balkman is keeping his focus on his current team, who are trying to bring the ABL crown back to the country against a tough regional field.

READ: PBA lifts lifetime ban on Balkman

The former New York Knick was stellar in Alab’s win over the Heat with 17 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, and four steals.

“I’m focused on this team right now, we got to win the championship,” said Balkman. “Right now our main goal is the championship.”