TNT received an added boost to its already-loaded lineup as it nabbed 6-foot-3 sniper Gab Banal from the free agency pool.
Nueva Ecija head coach Charles Tiu made the announcement, as confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by Tropang Giga team manager Gabby Cui.
Was looking forward to have one more run with @gabbanal in the other league… but wow congrats to him as he’s going to play for the champs TNT! Great signing! So happy for him. Hard work pays off!!
— Charles Tiu (@charlestiu) November 21, 2021
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the 31-year-old, 2018-19 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Most Valuable Player will sign a two-year deal with the team on Monday.
Banal left the league four years ago to hone his craft in various semi-professional leagues. He signed a one conference deal with Alaska early this year.
In 11 games played, the second generation cager – who is the son of former TNT head coach Joel Banal (2003-05) – posted norms of 8.7 points (third in team), 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He also shot a league-best 45.2-percent from deep.
Alaska then offered him another one conference deal. He turned it down, citing the need for security.
Banal is set to become another free agency steal for TNT as it also signed the likes of Ping Exciminiano, Dave Marcelo, Brian Heruela, and Glenn Khobuntin during the off-season.
