Julian Sargent and Ael Banal will take their act to Marinerong Pilipino in the 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
Both are eyeing a fresh start in the developmental ranks after being left unsigned by their respective PBA teams.
Sargent, a second-round pick in the 2017 PBA Draft, spent the past two seasons with Ginebra after starting off with GlobalPort, but his contract expired after last season and was not extended.
The athletic 6-foot-3 wingman out of De La Salle University only saw limited time for the Gin Kings last season no thanks to a shoulder injury, seeing action for just a total of nine games.
Sargent, who won a pair of PBA championships with the crowd darlings, makes his return to the Skippers as he had already suited up for them back in the 2017 Foundation Cup.
On the other hand, Banal aims for a shot at redemption as well following three quiet seasons with Blackwater.
The first pick in the regular phase of the 2016 PBA Draft, the 6-foot-2 guard only played for 15 games for the Elite last season with norms of 2.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
With the Skippers, Banal will be reunited with father Joel, who serves as a team consultant to head coach Yong Garcia.
Sargent and Garcia are expected to provide veteran smarts to a Marinerong Pilipino squad bannered by young wards Jamie Malonzo and brothers Juan and Javi Gomez De Liaño.
