FILE – Gab Banal for Alaksa Aces. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Gab Banal’s promising first conference with Alaska turned out to be his last.
Banal recently bid farewell to the Aces, whom he thanks for giving him the opportunity to play again in the PBA.
“Thank you @alaska_aces for the short but memorable conference. Thank you Coach @thejet_22 for giving me the opportunity to show that I can play in this league. On to the next chapter of my career. #WeNotMe,” Banal posted on social media.
The 31-year-old forward was selected in the second round of the 2014 PBA Draft by San Miguel Beer but went on to suit up for GlobalPort (now NorthPort) playing limited minutes from 2015 to 2017.
Banal then decided to play in other leagues where he was able to play a starring role.
He won a championship and was named Finals MVP in the PBA D-League in 2018 before suiting up in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League where he bagged the MVP plum in the Datu Cup.
Banal eventually made his way back in the PBA after Alaska signed him earlier this year in time for the 2021 Philippine Cup bubble in Bacolor, Pampanga.
He played all 11 games, averaging 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 21 minutes for the Aces.