Chris Banchero is glad to have made his way back into the Alaska Aces’ fold after missing his team’s semifinal series versus the San Miguel Beermen back in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.
Banchero had to rush back home to attend to some family matters, which he did not disclose. But now that it’s apparently settled, the 29-year-old’s focus is now on basketball again.
“It was good to play basketball again,” said Banchero.
The four-year PBA cager played his first game since July on Friday night, as the Aces took on Allen Durham and the Meralco Bolts. And Banchero had himself a commendable return.
The 6-foot-1 guard scattered 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and his efforts translated to an 80-72 victory – their first victory without long-time franchise face Calvin Abueva.
But even with his performance, Banchero was far from satisfied.
“I’m nowhere near I needed to be. There are a lot of things to improve. I will watch the film tomorrow. All of us can get better,” said the Filipino-Italian.
“No, not at all. Not really satisfied.”
Now, Banchero and the Aces are setting their sights on Sunday’s game against the TNT Katropa. Banchero sees a tough challenge ahead, as they will be battling Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro.
“Tough, tough. Two of the best guards in the league, we’re gonna have to work extremely hard to try and stop them. They’re really, really good players,” said the former ABL champion.
“It’s not just one guy defending those, it’s gonna be the entire team.”
