Gab Banal on Playing in Different Leagues: "Good Learning Experience"

Before entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2015, Gab Banal had played both in the National Athletic Association (NCAA) for the Mapua Cardinals and in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) for the De La Salle Green Archers. He also had a stint in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), where he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Banal also played international basketball for Mighty Sports and even played in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3.

On Wednesday’s episode of Hoops Life, Banal shared his journey from getting drafted in the PBA to bouncing from one league to the other and, to the PBA.

Now that Banal is about to return to the PBA, the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft said that his experience from playing in different leagues will help him in the professional ranks for the second time around.

"Every league is different, to be honest. The UAAP is more talented. The NCAA is more physical," he said.

Banal continued, "It's a blessing in disguise to have been played in different leagues. I've learned a lot of stuff that I can apply in the PBA. It's a good experience and good learning experience,"

Experience. It's something that Banal hopes he can showcase come his second stint in the PBA.

Screenshot is from the Smart Sports Facebook page