2018 has been quite a busy year for Gab Banal.
From playing in both of the PBA D-League conferences, to seeing action in the MPBL, to representing the Philippines in the FIBA 3X3 Shanghai Challenger and in the Asia League’s The Terrific 12, Banal has done it all.
“It’s been really busy for me,” said Banal, who recently concluded a stint with the iECO Green Warriors in The Terrific 12 in Macau, China.
But for Banal, as much as those are exhausting, he sees them all as blessings. Those blessings are highlighted with his stint with Go for Gold Scratchers, as they won the 2018 D-League Foundation Cup title.
For the second-generation cager, that championship victory practically opened lots of doors for him.
“I think the crucial thing that happened to me is when we won the Go for Gold a championship. Mula nun, the very next day I got called up to show up to practice in the FIBA 3×3 in Shangai, and of course, itong team na ‘to in Macau.
“So much blessings. Sunod-sunod. Umaapaw talaga, as in,” Banal said. “It’s overwhelming, at the same time thankful and grateful for these opportunities.”
This year so far has been good to the versatile forward out the Mapua Cardinals program. But Banal admits that everything will be much sweeter if a call-up from any one of the PBA teams will come in his way.
“Of course, of course. Iba pa rin yung PBA.
“It’s our ultimate dream as a basketball player ever since we’re young,” shared Banal, who was the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft.
However, he’s not rushing things, or being so eager to get that goal. For Banal, he’s just taking it slowly, and he expressed that he’s satisfied where he currently is – Banal is with the Bacoor Strikers in the MPBL.
“I’m happy where I am right now, I’m just going with the flow, taking it one step at a time, not thinking about anything else. I’m just happy where I am right now,” he said.
“We’ll see what’s next.”
