After pro stints in Mexico and France, Ben Mbala finds himself back in Asia.
The two-time UAAP Men’s Basketball Most Valuable Player has come back to the continent where he became known as he is set to lead the Samsung Thunders in the Asia League’s Terrific 12 tilt next week.
Mbala signed with the South Korean ball club last July after playing for Chorale Roanne Basket in the French LNB Pro B, where he normed 11.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25 games.
Mbala’s first experience as a pro was in Mexico, where he played for Fuerza Regia de Monterrey playing in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional. The 23-year-old played there for a month.
Expectations are high for Mbala to deliver for the Thunders, especially when Samsung head coach Lee Sang Min has spoken highly of him, saying that he can become a PBA import soon.
Mbala, who is just 23 years young, and Samsung are in Group D along with Chinese Basketball Association’s Shandong Golden Stars and the Fubon Braves of Chinese Taipei.
The only time Mbala might face Philippine contingent iECO Green Warriors – made mostly of PBA D-League stars – is either in the third place game or in the championship.
iECO are in Group C along with Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Ryukyu Golden Kings.
The Thunders, a winner of two KBL championships, will start their campaign in the Macau-hosted Terrific 12 on September 18 against the Braves.
