While the De La Salle University Green Archers were grinding out wins against the FEU Tamaraws and the NU Bulldogs, Ben Mbala was busy helping his native country of Cameroon in the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket.
And the 22-year-old was tearing it up in the continental tourney, posting norms of 21.8 points and 9.3 rebounds — both second in the tournament. However, his team was eliminated during the quarterfinals.
Still, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player is looking forward to come back to his school and show the UAAP what he developed during the Afrobasket.
“It was a great learning experience especially getting to play against bigger and mature players,” reflected the 6-foot-7 Cameroonian student-athlete.
Moreover, he admitted that just like his teammates who watched his games on livestream, Mbala was keeping tabs on the Green Archers while he was in Tunisia.
“We are looking for a back-to-back now and we know it won’t be easy,” Mbala furthered. “But of course we are prepared for everything.
“I am just looking forward to play and help the team.”
No one is looking forward to having Mbala back than Aldin Ayo. Though they are currently on a roll with a 2-0 slate, the second year La Salle head coach believes that his team will enter full throttle with Mbala back in the fold come Wednesday.
“Maybe we’re on this level but when Ben arrives, okay, aangat na lang kami na kaasama siya.
“Talking about adjustments, wala na kaming gagawin masyadong adjustments because hindi kami nag-adjust talaga dun sa pagkawala niya,” Ayo expressed.
“Gusto namin na pagbalik niya, diretso kaagad. Andar kaagad.”
