By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Alaska Aces join the San Miguel Beermen and the Magnolia Hotshots as among the teams who made stellar off-season trades to strengthen their rosters.
Fresh off a contract signing with the Aces is a former MPBL MVP and one of the most experienced Filipino players playing on the international stage: Gab Banal.
“We are excited to have on board Gab Banal. As a player, he is what I’m looking for because he plays on both ends,” said Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso.
To recall, Banal was drafted by San Miguel back in 2014 – but seldom saw playing time.
Banal decided to play in the PBA D-League, MPBL, and the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 where he excelled.
During his stint in the MPBL with the Bacoor Strikers, Banal was named as league MVP and was the Finals MVP with team Go for Gold in the D-League.
Banal is joining superstar Jeron Teng and “The Muscle Man” Vic Manuel.
